Summary
"This study investigates, from participants' perspectives, to what extent post secondary education impacts their performance as police officers. The study examines three areas in which education might impact policing; performance, how it may contribute to professionalism, and whether certification, with educational benchmarks, should be instituted. Quantitative and qualitative data was obtained from 250 active Edmonton Police Service officers, from rookies to seasoned officers, who had a wide range of policing experience. The findings indicate that participants believed education was just one component of becoming a police officer. Recommendations for Police Services include the need to change the entry level educational requirement for policing to a minimum of a 2-year post-secondary program; to develop a continuing education program to make their agency a learning organization; and to work with post-secondary institutions to develop continuing educational programs that would address core competencies."--Abstract.