Question

Many police officers positions require the applicant to have a college degree even though the tasks of a police officer rarely call upon college course material. Why don't police departments increase their applicant pool by dropping this requirement?

Answer 1

A study provided evidence that a college degree considerably lessens the likelihood that officers will utilize force as their first response to obtain compliance. The research also found that educated officers demonstrated higher levels of problem-solving skills & creativity skills. The researchers inferred that a higher education may positively effect officers’ capabilities & performance & listed several potential advantages, including-

• Better skilled in autonomous decision-making
• Fewer on-the-job assaults & injuries
• More competent in technology
• Less probable to be involved in unethical behavioural patterns
• Less likely to utilize force as the first option
• Higher acceptance of minorities
• Decrease in authoritarianism, dogmatism and conservatism
• Enhanced communication skills ( written & oral)
• Better adapted to taking up 2^nd -career opportunities after retirement