NCJ Number
221487
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: 2007 Pages: 608-619
Date Published
2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the value that police officers with criminal justice degrees place on their personal education experiences compared to those officers educated in other disciplines
Abstract
The results indicated that officers with criminal justice degrees reported that the degree substantially improved their knowledge and abilities on a wide range of topics from the criminal justice system, to conceptual development for employment purposes and managerial skills. The positive assertions of the officers reflected well on the ability of criminal justice programs to prepare its clientele for meaningful employment challenges. The officers, at all educational levels, expressed great support for the degree’s ability to improve not only legal and justice system understanding, but more importantly their ability to communicate, analyze, administrate, and engage in human relations. They also reported that their educational experiences significantly enhanced their abilities to perform policing roles beyond mere technical exercises. Master’s degree holders were more favorable than bachelor’s degree recipients, and likewise for the associate degree. Responses did not differ significantly from officers educated in noncriminal justice academic disciplines. Officers with degrees in other academic disciplines possessed attitudinal values equal to those expressed by officers with degrees in the criminal justice discipline. Therefore, it can be reasonably argued that all college-educated police officers value the educational experience regardless of the academic focus. Data were collected from 1,114 police officers across 16 departments using a mail survey. Limitations are detailed. Tables, references