The law enforcement landscape continues to witness a paradigm shift, where the role of education in policing has garnered significant attention. The traditional view of policing as a vocation solely reliant on physical prowess and on-the-job experience is evolving. There is increasing emphasis on the value of higher education in enhancing officer effectiveness, reducing citizen complaints and facilitating career progression.

Higher education may well be a preferred attribute, but it is harder to recruit candidates who hold higher educational credentials. In fact, recruiting in law enforcement has become an ongoing challenge in recent years.

Law enforcement officers are entrusted with unique responsibilities. They are the only government agents who have the authority to take human life without prior judicial review and who can suspend a person’s civil liberties through detention or arrest on a routine basis. Ensuring the quality and education of policing officials must be a primary mission for every agency.

The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing noted that law enforcement officers should obtain higher education throughout their career, thereby ensuring the benefits of a diverse staff with a well-educated police force and an active learning culture.

Enhanced effectiveness

Research conducted by Jason Rydberg and Dr. William Terrill from Michigan State University provides evidence that having a college degree significantly reduces the likelihood that officers will use force as their first option to gain compliance. The study also discovered evidence of educated officers demonstrating greater levels of creativity and problem-solving skills. Similar research by Dr. Ben Stickle from Middle Tennessee State University found that degreed officers resolved conflicts at a higher level than their counterparts without higher education credentials.

Reduction in citizen complaints

A compelling body of research underscores the correlation between higher education among law enforcement officers and a reduction in citizen complaints. Research conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) found that police agencies with a higher percentage of officers holding bachelor’s degrees reported significantly lower rates of citizen complaints alleging excessive use of force or misconduct.

In fact, officers with a two-year associate degree sustained the lowest level of citizen and use-of-force complaints, based on decades-old research.

Fostering career advancement

Beyond immediate operational effectiveness, attaining a degree confers enduring benefits for an officer’s career trajectory. Agencies increasingly recognize the value of educational attainment in the selection, promotion and assignment processes. Individuals with associate or bachelor’s degrees are often viewed as more versatile and adaptable to the evolving demands of modern policing, positioning them for accelerated career progression and leadership roles.

A comprehensive study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) revealed that police agencies with formal education incentives, such as tuition reimbursement programs or promotion bonuses for degree holders, experienced higher rates of officer retention and job satisfaction. Officers with educational backgrounds are better equipped to pursue specialized roles in investigative units, intelligence analysis, community outreach and policy development, contributing to the professionalization and diversification of agencies.

The role of higher education in community-oriented policing (COP)

Empirical evidence suggests a strong correlation between higher education attainment among police officers and their ability to effectively implement the tenets of COP (crime prevention, problem-solving and trust-building). Research conducted by Dr. Wesley G. Skogan and Dr. Kathleen Frydl at Northwestern University demonstrated that officers with bachelor’s degrees exhibited a greater propensity for community engagement, problem-solving and partnership-building compared to their peers without higher education credentials.

Moreover, a longitudinal study published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency by Dr. David Weisburd and Dr. Anthony A. Braga underscored the positive impact of educational enrichment on officer attitudes and behaviors towards community-oriented policing initiatives. Officers with higher education backgrounds demonstrated a deeper understanding of social dynamics, crime causation theories and collaborative problem-solving methodologies, enabling them to forge meaningful connections with residents and community organizations.

Enhanced problem-solving skills

An essential component of COP involves the application of problem-solving methodologies to identify, analyze and address crime and disorder issues within specific neighborhoods or communities. Higher education equips police officers with the analytical tools, critical thinking abilities and research methodologies necessary to conduct comprehensive problem assessments and develop evidence-based interventions tailored to local needs.

Research conducted by Dr. Herman Goldstein, a pioneering scholar in the field of problem-oriented policing (POP), highlighted the role of education in fostering innovation and creativity among law enforcement practitioners. Officers with formal education are more likely to embrace a proactive, solution-
focused approach to policing and collaborating with community members.

Key considerations for choosing a college or university

Embarking on a journey to pursue a college degree while serving as a law enforcement officer is a commendable endeavor that holds the potential to enhance professional development and career advancement. However, selecting the right institution is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling educational experience.

Accreditation

One of the foremost considerations for law enforcement officers seeking to enroll in a degree program is the accreditation status of the institution. Accreditation serves as a quality assurance mechanism, indicating that the college or university meets established standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. It is imperative to verify that the institution is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Accreditation not only validates the academic rigor and credibility of the institution, but also ensures that credits earned are transferable to other accredited colleges or universities. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies and professional organizations require degrees obtained from accredited institutions for promotional opportunities or specialized assignments. 

Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas and Washington state make it a crime to knowingly use a false academic credential to obtain employment, obtain a license or trade certificate, obtain a promotion or increase in compensation, or gain a position in government (WA RCW 9A.60.070).

Federal student aid eligibility

Another consideration is the institution’s eligibility to participate in federal student loan and grant programs. Federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Work-Study, offer invaluable
financial assistance to eligible students to help cover tuition, fees, books and living expenses.

To ascertain an institution’s eligibility for federal student aid programs, prospective students can consult the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website.

Flexibility and accessibility

Balancing demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, flexibility and accessibility are paramount considerations. Many institutions offer online or hybrid programs that provide flexibility in course scheduling and delivery formats, allowing students to pursue educational goals without sacrificing professional or personal commitments.

Conclusion

From enhancing operational effectiveness and fostering trust to reducing citizen complaints and facilitating career advancement, the value of a degree is unequivocal. 

The decision to pursue higher education is a significant undertaking that requires thoughtful deliberation and informed decision-making. By prioritizing considerations such as accreditation, federal student aid eligibility, flexibility and accessibility, officers can identify colleges or universities that align with their academic, professional and personal needs. Whether attending in person or online, selecting the right institution sets the foundation for a successful educational journey that empowers law enforcement officers to achieve their career aspirations and make meaningful contributions to their communities.