Should police have a minimum age and education requirement?

[the nature boy]

I think so. These are people entrusted to protect and serve you and I, they wield a lot of power, and while I think the power can get any persons head, it can definately get into the heads of the young and uneducated. I've seen cops that didn't look a day over 19, and you're telling me this kid is supposed to be cool in a tense situation where lives may be at stake? He's still a kid for God's sake.

The state police where I live have an education requirement of a bachelors degree. And from my dealings with them they are far more professional, calm, and well mannered than the hot head city cops I've ran into.

any thoughts or opinions?

 

[WODIN]

Every cop should have at the minimum a 4 year degree in criminal justice.

 

[beastboy]

Agreed.

Most cops I know break more laws than "civilians". They are free criminals.

State Police are always polite...and show respect.

 

[TheProject]

I dunno. I have 2 friends that are cops, one degreed, one not. They both seem to have the same temperament and good attitude about their job.

Having talked to them about the recruits they've worked with, and their academy classes, they freely admit that there are recruits that make it off break in and end up on the streets that should not. At the same time, there are those that fall out that clearly should fall out.

Isn't the age requirement for most major departments 21? I'd think that's a good breakpoint.

 

[Y_lifter]

Most have Min Req. of 18 or 21 and High School or GED.
Also you must pass several tests of Memory and Phyco profile.

Of course, some cities/towns/Counties are hard up for people without criminal backgrounds so they accept anyone with a clean
record it seems.

Yes, I think they should be 21, clean background and a minimum
AA degree in Criminal Justice area.

 

[beastboy]

I've researched going into the Academy...but I'm color blind....disqualifies me.

 

[danielson]

i guess they have to consider that against recruitment numbers etc. but yes, some qualification would seem to make sense, especiall given the behaviour of some of these people

 

[TheProject]

screw highschool diplomas or GED's. that's basically saying a person that works at mcdonalds can also qualify as a cop, someone who is supposed to take care of my family and property.

I think not.

A person that works at McDonald's might not make it through the academy, man.

 

[the nature boy]

Most have Min Req. of 18 or 21 and High School or GED.
Also you must pass several tests of Memory and Phyco profile.

screw highschool diplomas or GED's. that's basically saying a person that works at mcdonalds can also qualify as a cop, someone who is supposed to take care of my family and property.

I think not.

 

[the nature boy]

A person that works at McDonald's might not make it through the academy, man.

maybe or maybe not. point is, the education requirements for both can be the same at times.