2006-10-28 10:33:44 · 18 answers · asked by bearsfan96 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Generally, yes. High School does not cut it any more. At least an AA in law enforcement is necessary. This kind of degree is a very thorough preparation in all the ins-and-outs of being a LEO, particularly in legal matters.
The good jurisdictions will not look at you without that AA. A BS jumpstarts your career ahead of the rest, and is essential if you want to rise above being a street cop.
Education always improves performance.
2006-10-28 12:25:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is what I have noticed. When I was going through the academy, those with college educations thought they knew it all and so didn't pay as much attention to what they were being taught. Those of us without college educations actually paid attention and did better on the tests and on the hands on. Something else I noticed is that those of us without college educations even did better during field training, we didn't have chips on our shoulders like we actually thought we knew how to be cops just because we had a degree in Criminal Justice. I understand the need for a degree, don't get me wrong and I am currently working on it. But right off the bat it can be a hinderance to their learning ability when they are new to the job. Once you understand the reality of the job and have a base and intent to move up through the chain of command in the job then yes an officer will perform better with more education.
2006-10-28 12:16:53 · answer #2 · answered by Sheila V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I've seen the answer is no.
I think the people who have come into the profession are more dedicated that the ones coming in now.
Tell me this, does someone with a degree in music make a better police officer than someone with a high school education who went into the military?
I would take the high schooler with the military background each time.
Now I do have a BA in Criminology but I got it after becoming an officer. Education is important but it should not be the main criteria for hiring.
2006-10-31 02:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by Eddie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. Life teaches lessons as well or better than any school. I know many officers that have no education past high school (except for academy training.)and are fantastic at their jobs. I also know officers that have two degrees and they aren't worth a damn on the street.
The best officer is one that is intelligent and wise. The officer must have compassion and the ability to be a stone when needed. They have a genuine desire to help and do the right thing. The officer must also have a great deal of common sense. This is a very important trait that can not be taught.
2006-10-28 11:10:11 · answer #4 · answered by Ranger473 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In short no, some cops with high school level education are street wise and perform that job well. The people with higher education are more likely to be promoted faster because they are good test takers.
2006-10-28 12:02:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it varies per the particular officer. I know some cops w/o a college degree--some are great officers some are crap.
Same goes for those w/a degree I know some who are great cops and some not so great.
You won't get the street experience totally from a book.
2006-10-28 12:30:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOT really a cop with a bachelor degree would be ranked higher then a cop with a asso degree even if the asso degree cop performs better
2006-10-28 12:52:02 · answer #7 · answered by Eman O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Education is not the basis for a better performing police officer.
Education will help if the officer wants to rise within the ranks.
In every segment of society, there are people who behave in a manner that causes us to dislike them. I ask that you remember what a police officer has to deal with every day of his life and be a tad more respectful.
Most of the time when you have interaction with a police officer, emotions are close to the surface. He/she is there to help, but not according to your rules. They must follow the law and, in order to survive, they must pack their emotions away until they are back in the safety of their homes.
2006-10-28 10:54:02 · answer #8 · answered by Blue 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the police work.If you want to get in forensic science or some special division you have to be well educated.If you want to do basic field police work than a higher education is not necessary.
2006-10-28 10:38:42 · answer #9 · answered by telis_gr1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can read all about chasing a criminals down and how to do stret patrol, but until you actually do it, you'll never know.
However most the brass in departments do have some form of degree. But street smarts beat book smarts hands down.
2006-10-28 12:46:52 · answer #10 · answered by jawsh3539 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋