Value of Educating Police Officers

¶ … POLICE OFFICER REQUIRE ASSOCIATES DEEGREE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLOSELY RELATED FIELD?

POLICE OFFICERS, DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Police Officers, Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, and Other Qualifications

Police Officers, Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, and Other Qualifications

Police officers are individuals empowered by the government to limit civil disorder, protect property, and enforce the law. They are normally charged with the detection and prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and maintenance of law and order. The minimum training and education required in order to become a police officer mainly varies among individual agencies, departments, and states. The education requirements largely depend on the position or rank that the individual is seeking. This report endeavors to explain whether the police officer is required to have at least an Associates' degree in Criminal Justice or any other close related field. It also explains whether police officers' education level plays a role in their ability to understand and protect the defendant's rights.

Are police officers required to have a degree in criminal Justice?

In general, the police officers are required to have a minimum high school diploma and undergone widespread training and education in the police academy that prepares new changes in the life of a police officer to be. A college degree is essential and can benefit the individual. Most of the minority agencies require a four or two-year college degree. However, at the federal level, Federal Bureau of Investigations and its special agents, every police officer must own a college degree that goes for four years. It is advantageous for police officers to have a level of higher education in disciplines such as criminal justice because they can gain promotions and earn higher salaries in their practice (Bottoms & McClean, 2013).

In addition, police officers must meet a minimum range of other standards. These standards vary from agency to agency. However, there are basic requirements that apply in all agencies. These requirements include being 21 years old, American citizen, pass a physical and background check, and own a driver's license. The police officer should also pass a medical exam that meets the basic qualifications of physical fitness. They should also pass a drug test.

Advantages of having educated police officers

There are numerous benefits to having educated police officers. First, the police officers gain greater knowledge of principles, procedures, and functions. Secondly, the police officers gain desirable psychological qualities such as intelligence, alertness, flexibility, empathy, and initiative. Another benefit is that the police officers are able to appreciate their professional roles better as well as its importance in the system of criminal justice and the society (Carter & Jamieson, 1978).

The police officers also gain greater ability of analyzing situations, make judicious decisions, and exercise decision independently. Educated officers have a strong moral character with qualities such as tolerance, honesty, and reliability. It also reflects a sense of consciousness on the officer's part. The police officers also gain personal values that are consistent with the functions of police in a society that is democratic.

Does an officer's level of education play a role in his ability to protect the rights of perpetrators?

Yes, it does play a vital role in shaping the police officer's role in protecting the rights of suspects. The officers gain the ability of identifying and recording issues and incidents in a cohesive and comprehendible manner that may be able to save a defendant in court. The level of education is important for police officers, especially in the preparation and writing of reports on crimes. In most cases, defense attorneys defend their cases based on the police reports. It also includes the police officer's ability to document their investigations, the elements of the charged offenses and the actions of the defendants. Sometimes prosecutors may decide not to take the case because the police reports may be substandard.

Does a typical officer receive training on constitutional rights from the police Academy?

Yes, the officers receive training on constitutional rights even without a college degree. The police officers are required to undergo training at the police academy before they are assigned their duties as qualified personnel. This training lasts about 12 to 14 weeks. The training includes classroom instructions in local ordinances, state laws, civil rights, accident investigation, and constitutional law (Nemeth, 1989). The police officers are also taught about self-defense, emergency response, firearms, and first aid. The police officer also receives psychological and physical training. They gain related experience in matters related to security, internships as well as maintain physical fitness that will assist them in fighting crime. In the police Academy, police officers are subjected to extensive studies on the constitution. This assists them in handling cases that relate to constitutional matters. It is mandatory for every police officer to go through the police Academy, whether he or she owns a college degree.