The Door to Advancement in Criminal Justice Is Education, and Chiefs Are the Key: A Police Chief’s Perspective

The police chief is responsible for controlling the resources of the police department in an effort to preserve the peace, protect persons and property, and enforce the law. Although this is an accurate depiction of the job, the law enforcement profession requires a great deal more. Just as police chiefs must serve as examples to their communities, they must also serve in that same role by inspiring and empowering their staff—not only to build community partnerships and eradicate crime, but to strive for personal success and excellence. This obligation is now more important than ever because some U.S. law enforcement agencies are now requiring undergraduate degrees for entry-level police positions and graduate studies for promotions and career development opportunities.