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Increasing Importance of Higher Education in Police Human Resource Development Programs

NCJ Number
159702
Journal
CJ The Americas Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-May 1995) Pages: 1,6-9
Author(s)
M L Rodriguez
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Contemporary policing exists in a period of broad sociological, demographic, criminological, and technological changes that require new strategies and strong partnerships with higher education to address not only police education and professional development but also the broader issue of how police and the community can deal more effectively with the crime programs.
Abstract
A new and ambitious role is needed for higher education in which colleges and universities not only help prepare police personnel academically but also work with police officers to address the changing and challenging crime problems. In 1967, approximately 70 percent of police officers nationwide had no college experience, and fewer than 5 percent held a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a 1988 survey revealed that almost 25 percent of police officers had a bachelor's degree and another 42 percent had at least some college. Most police agencies have raised educational standards for police, but many long-time police officers lack the education of newer ones. The new partnership must ensure that police officers have the skills and motivation needed for the future. In addition, police agencies must allow institutions of higher education into their training academies. Furthermore, the partnership must extend into action and problemsolving in the community. Case examples of community-based partnerships of police and higher education in Chicago