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Value Of Educating Police Officers Essay

¶ … 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...

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…

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References

Bottoms, A.E., & McClean, J.D. (2013). "Defendants in the criminal process." Hoboken: Taylor and Francis

Carter, D.L., & Jamieson, J.D. (1978). "Issues and trends in criminal justice education." Huntsville, Tex.: Institute of Contemporary Corrections and the Behavioral Sciences, Sam Houston State University

Cryderman, B.K. (1986). "Police, race and ethnicity: a guide for law enforcement officers." Toronto: Butterworths

Nemeth, C.P. (1989). "A status report on contemporary criminal justice education: a definition of the discipline and an assessment of its curricula, faculty, and program characteristics." Lewiston, NY, USA: E. Mellen Press.
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