Should there be educational requirements for cops?

ac1d1ty

ac1d1ty

ac1d1ty

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Before I start, this is not a rant against cops, just a musing on my part.


Whilst lots of cops go about their job in a decent manner, for the future, do you think it would be better if there was a minimum requirement for cops in terms of academic performance?

Do you think having 3 or more A-levels or possibly a degree would help bring anymore common sense into the job?


Just wondering.
 
I'm sure I remember a very high up police officer saying all applicants should have a degree - but I can't find a link.

Of the police round here, if they're >30 they're *really* friendly and quite approachable. If <30 they look about 14 and would arrest you for taking a picture of a pigeon. Education? I don't know....
 
I'm sure there probably is already. 3 A-Levels or a degree is too much for your normal PC though. It would just make the police force more expensive.
 
It's odd, to be a probation officer you have to have a degree in criminal justice and they want to do the same for prison officers so I wonder if the police officers will get it as part of their training.
 
Depends on what the degree's for though. If, for example, you've got a 1st on "The application of butter to toast" then it's not going to be of much use :p
 
Cyanide said:
Depends on what the degree's for though. If, for example, you've got a 1st on "The application of butter to toast" then it's not going to be of much use :p
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On the contrary that could be applied every morning at breakfast for me! :D
 
My nephew got a "degree" in Media Studies. The only police force that should allow him to join is that lot at Sun Hill.
 
groen said:
i think we should do a way with state police, just not working.

private police for the win.

*** is blocked ?
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Private law and order? I think not.

I don't think you've really thought it through properly. Or at all for that matter.
 
Would you hire someone who applied and has the following

Athlete, Basically fit and healthy
Been an actual police officer for 8 years after graduating a degree (somewhere in europe)
Joined the military, then Special forces + 4 years of combat
 
meghatronic said:
Of the police round here, if they're >30 they're *really* friendly and quite approachable. If <30 they look about 14 and would arrest you for taking a picture of a pigeon. Education? I don't know....
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There are some policemen in the older age bracket (30+) that do act the same way as most of the younger ones do. However I do agree in general that the ones that look like they are 12 have a serious chip on their shoulders.
 
platinum87 said:
Would you hire someone who applied and has the following

Athlete, Basically fit and healthy
Been an actual police officer for 8 years after graduating a degree (somewhere in europe)
Joined the military, then Special forces + 4 years of combat
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Only if they can pass the doughnut eating exam.
 
A degree to join the police force? No.

I know a chap who is in the process of joining up, even took the time to join the 'specials'(whatever that is) to show how keen he is.

Comparing him against the guys I know from Uni, I'd have him roaming the streets any day of the week. More common sense, far more life experience and overall a well rounded individual.
 
There is not much required to join the MET as a PC:

Qualifications

There are no formal educational requirements to become a police officer. However, you will need to have a reasonable standard of English and numeracy if you are to succeed during the selection process.
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Source.

Ask for much more and no one will join.
 
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simulatorman said:
There is not much required to join the MET as a PC:



Source.

Ask for much more and no one will join.
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That is particularly evident in many of the video i see and personal encounters.
I find it very ironic, that many people that i know, whom used to indulge in highly illegal activities are now in the police force. I suppose if you never convicted then you can never be judged, but it doesn't fill me with a great enthusiasm towards any policeman's moral decency, or intelligence.
 
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A foundation degree is part of SOLAP now, so all recruits get at least that, and you can continue the course if you so wish.

This may not be the case in all forces though.
 
shifty_uk said:
even took the time to join the 'specials'(whatever that is) to show how keen he is.
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Special Constables are proper police (I.e not PCSO's) that do it for free. They have limitations, for example cannot use blues and twos on police cars but do have the right to arrest your backside.

Let's just say that anybody who does police work for free giving up there spare time has issues or must really be hooked on power.
 
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