NCJ Number
146534
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 5-10
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Computer-assisted forensic imaging technology is discussed.
Abstract
In 1977, recognizing the increasingly complex world of law enforcement, Minnesota created the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board, a centralized agency, to combine the resources of law enforcement and academia to promote professionalism in law enforcement. To this end, the Board created a licensing process consisting of both academic and clinical programs that have to be completed before a candidate can pursue law enforcement employment. The academic program requires a 2- or 4-year degree from a POST-certified college or university. The clinical program requires candidates to pay for and complete a 9- to 12-week course at one of three approved centers before seeking employment as police officers. After successfully completing the academic and clinical programs, candidates must pass the Minnesota Peace Officer Licensing Examination to receive a temporary license. After obtaining employment with a law enforcement agency, the POST Board issues the officer a three-year renewable license. To renew the license, an officer must earn 48 hours of continuing education credit. Refinements to the licensing procedures were provided in The Peace Officer Education Legislation of 1991, passed by the Minnesota legislature. The article cites survey data suggesting that State-mandated higher education may do more to increase overall education levels than the practice of allowing individual departments to set minimum educational requirements. Opponents of State-mandated educational requirements, however, contend that small departments and rural law enforcement agencies could not compete with larger, urban police departments in recruiting personnel.