Contrary to Sam Tyler’s opinion, institutions that offer advanced educational degrees that qualify police personnel for salary upgrades have not stood still for the 30-plus years the Quinn Bill has been in place. Much like police-recruit training, these college programs no longer focus strictly on criminal justice subjects. They cover a much broader base, including social sciences, communication, conflict resolution, human behavior, and problem solving. If the state wants greater accountability from these programs, that’s fine. But individual police officers should not be used as scapegoats or have their education pay held hostage if colleges–all of them accredited by appropriate academic authorities–need closer supervision.
The basic rationale behind the Quinn Bill has never been stronger. The complexity of today’s laws, such as those governing juvenile crime, drugs, and domestic violence, requires the police officers who encounter these situations daily to be learned and alert. These days, police officers need to be knowledgeable about community policing, DNA, alternative sentencing, and concerns about racial profiling. They need to understand the role of after-school programs and youth centers. Maintaining a cooperative working relationship with social agencies requires that officers exhibit intelligence, professionalism, and an ability to communicate with a variety of audiences.
Formal education beyond high school is doing much to make the law-enforcement work force equal to the task. Police entrance examination scores are higher among those with college experience. Promotional test scores, particularly among those police officers with college backgrounds, have risen markedly in the past few years. Police departments are benefiting by having officers who have the educational background necessary for maximum effectiveness move into supervisory and leadership positions.
A better educated police force pays off not only in crime-fighting effectiveness but in community relations as well. A limited study indicates that police officers with college degrees are less likely to be found in violation of citizens’ rights or guilty of physical abuse of citizens.
No matter how many degrees police officers may hold, however, they will still find themselves exposed to situations of violence. It’s an unavoidable fact of police work. Unfortunately, sometimes violence can be subdued only by force. Nevertheless, the police officer who is knowledgeable about crisis intervention, cultural diversity, and the calming effects of verbal and non-verbal communication has more than one option in defusing delicate and volatile situations. In these cases, a well-rounded education can save lives.
Unlike other states, Massachusetts does not have difficulty attracting qualified candidates for police positions. A law-enforcement career offers excitement, variety, and security, as well as the satisfaction that comes with making our communities better places to live. Nonetheless, the financial opportunities offered by Quinn surely add to the attraction, especially for candidates who are willing to continue their education while they pursue a career. Isn’t that exactly what we want in a police officer?
College education has gone a long way toward helping us achieve our goal–that is, police officers who are brighter, clearer thinkers with a working knowledge of law, philosophy, and theories of law enforcement. Education and training have eliminated the tunnel vision once associated with police officers. Accusations of police corruption have become increasingly rare as officers have become engrained with ethics, professionalism, and a spirit of public service.
There is no question that the financial benefits of Quinn are costly. The state has every reason to expect colleges that certify officers for these benefits to live up to high standards. There is nothing, however, to be gained from reducing the pay of police officers who have obtained the advanced educational credentials we know will make them better public servants. As citizens, we all benefit from the knowledge and perspective these officers bring to their jobs.
Police work is rewarding in many ways, but it has never been more complex than it is today. We hope the people of Massachusetts appreciate the value they get from the educational advancement of those whose sworn duty it is to protect and to serve.
Edward P. Gardella is retired chief of the Worcester Police Department. John M. Collins is general counsel of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.