Improving Police Supervision with Tuition Reimbursement Programs
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Date
2019
Authors
Aguirre, Daniel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
The field of law enforcement has made many innovations since its early beginnings. The vehicles, weapons, and computers utilized by police officers are just a few examples of these innovations. One area where law enforcement has failed to advance pertains to the lack of college education in police supervisors, which has limited the professional development and leadership potential of our police leaders. The educational standards in other professions have improved, and law enforcement should conform to avoid obsolescence. Law enforcement agencies should offer supervisors tuition reimbursement programs to pursue a college education, in order to better serve the public and further cement the argument that policing is a profession.
By offering tuition reimbursement programs, law enforcement agencies incentivize their supervisors to pursue a college education. Tuition reimbursement programs are also an effective retention tool, as supervisors recognize the investment their agencies have made in them. A long-standing motto of police departments throughout the United States of America is to protect and serve the community. The research referenced in this paper supports that a college education will enhance the skills of police supervisors, which results in better community service. The field of law enforcement needs college educated supervisors in leadership positions, in order to shape the vision and culture of their departments, and safeguard the civil rights of the public.
Keywords
Higher education, Employee fringe benefits