Integrating Police Academy Training with Higher Education

Abstract

Articles in professional journals and discussion among law enforcement executives, educators and trainers reveal a heightened interest in the relationship between higher education and entry level law enforcement. This is certainly not a new concern but the renewed impetus may be driven by several factors. First, there has been a slow but continuous movement toward increased higher education requirements at entry level. Second, is the current emphasis on the community based policing philosophy and its inherent need for generalist problem-solvers. Finally, is the shift in the content of training to a more "academic" orientation. With this in mind we set out to research the current relationship at entry level between academies and institutions of higher education.