Should police have a minimum age and education requirement?

[manny78]

At least 21 and a degree (business, law, criminal....). And also, they should raise ths standards for physical tests. But for the moment it looks like a joke in most police dept.

 

[TheProject]

At least 21 and a degree (business, law, criminal....). And also, they should raise ths standards for physical tests. But for the moment it looks like a joke in most police dept.

I agree with you on the physical standards...not stringent at all around here.

20% b/f was the entry guideline, and some of the guys had trouble with that.

 

[atlantabiolab]

A degree would not affect the problems because the problems are inherent in the institution of the police force. Whether a GED or BS, the entrant to this institution will quickly learn the accepted practices of the department, which is group mentality. Police have a tremendous collectivism inherent in their thinking, which prevents them from exposing other members who are commiting violations of justice. It is an "us" vs. "them" mentality, which precludes individual thought and action.

 

[Ffactor]

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?

This is one of the smartest observations you've had in a long time and I agree with you 100%. What do you thnik?

 

[the nature boy]

Where I live it's 21 and a 2 year degree with some criminal justice classes.

2 year degree = community college, right?

As chris rock says:

"You know why they call it community college? 'Cause anybody in the community can get in."

He also called it "A disco with books."

 

[the nature boy]

A degree would not affect the problems because the problems are inherent in the institution of the police force. Whether a GED or BS, the entrant to this institution will quickly learn the accepted practices of the department, which is group mentality. Police have a tremendous collectivism inherent in their thinking, which prevents them from exposing other members who are commiting violations of justice. It is an "us" vs. "them" mentality, which precludes individual thought and action.

so you're saying age and or education levels wouldnt help at all??? nonsense.

 

[guards]

Re: Whoa!

I'm utterly against an education requirement for a simple reason....it lines the pockets of colleges for a worthless education.

A CJ degree teaches nothing a cop won't learn from experience in time. So, every cop having to have a CJ degree to be hired makes all of them the same. Likewise, a diversity in education makes a department more effective. One guy having an engineering degree, another with a math degree, etc. gives a way for a department to utilize people with a variety of skills and backgrounds.

I'm not even in favor of a minimal education because it isn't how "smart" a cop is, but how well they understand their duties and limitation of power. I've seen "educated" cops that are nothing more than robots. A piece of paper doesn't ensure they are a good cop.

This is complete crap. You will NOT learn the same things a degree will teach you from experience. A degree teaches you to be critical, teaches you how to express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner, and also helps develop a sense of logic.

 

[Ish]

Requiring a degree would be nice, but there should be a better salary then. I know a few cops, and the salary isn't much. A degree might make them better cops, but I really doubt it. I don't think it would hurt the individual in the long run, though.

 

[the nature boy]

I'm in agreement with the salary. You get what you pay for.

 

[manny78]

I'm in agreement with the salary. You get what you pay for.

sorry but 65 000$ isn't that bad. and I'm not even talking about lieutnants, captains....