NCJ Number
45680
Date Published
1977
Length
32 pages
Annotation
DATA FROM A SURVEY OF POLICE AGENCIES IN 80 MUNICIPAL AREAS ARE EXAMINED IN A STUDY OF DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES PERTAINING TO EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND INCENTIVES FOR PERSONNEL.
Abstract
INCLUDED IN THE SAMPLE WERE 110 MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND 40 COUNTY POLICE OR SHERIFFS' DEPARTMENTS. SIX OUT OF TEN DEPARTMENTS SURVEYED HAVE PERSONNEL POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE OFFICERS TO OBTAIN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION. OF THESE DEPARTMENTS 42 PERCENT OFFER A HIGHER SALARY TO OFFICERS WHO OBTAIN A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE, 30 PERCENT PAY FOR TUITION, 26 PERCENT HAVE A SALARY DIFFERENTIAL BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COLLEGE CREDITS OBTAINED, AND 16 PERCENT PURCHASE BOOKS FOR OFFICERS TAKING COLLEGE COURSES. DEPARTMENTS IN THE NORTHEAST AND THE WEST ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE SOME FORM OF EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE THAN ARE DEPARTMENTS ELSEWHERE. DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE UNIONIZED AND/OR UNDER A CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMS. DEPARTMENTS WITH RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS ARE LESS LIKELY TO HAVE INCENTIVE SYSTEMS, WHILE THOSE WITH 101 TO 150 FULL-TIME OFFICERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVES. DEPARTMENTS WITH MORE THAN 150 OR BETWEEN 50 AND 100 OFFICERS ARE LESS LIKELY TO HAVE INCENTIVES. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)