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The debate over police officer education requirements has been ongoing for decades, but today, it’s more pressing than ever. With some states mandating a college degree for police officers, agencies face law enforcement hiring challenges, balancing police recruitment needs with preparing officers for the evolving demands of the profession.
Does a college degree for police officers produce better decision-making and leadership, or does it create unnecessary police recruitment challenges in an already difficult hiring environment?
In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley speaks with Officer Hunter Panning, a school resource officer in Chaska, Minnesota, who has extensively researched law enforcement hiring, police leadership and the impact of higher education on officer performance. Panning, who holds a master’s degree in public administration and is pursuing a doctorate in leadership and adult learning, shares key insights into how police officer education requirements affect decision-making, use-of-force incidents and officer recruitment.
Tune in to discover:
- Why requiring a college degree for police recruits is both a game-changer and a dealbreaker.
- How higher education influences decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the likelihood of using force.
- Whether an extended police academy could be the ultimate alternative to a four-year degree.
- How economic barriers are shaping the future of police recruitment — and what agencies can do about it.
- The smartest ways for officers to earn their degree while still patrolling the streets.
About our guest
Hunter Panning is a police officer currently appointed as a school resource officer in a suburban city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hunter sparked an interest in the policing culture and organizational leadership while earning his Master of Public Administration – Organizational Leadership & Change Management degree, in addition to his enduring doctoral studies in leadership and adult learning theories. Hunter has interests in multiple areas of public safety, including improving the role of the public information officer and exploring the relationship between strategic public information release and a community’s sense of trust, as well as peer support and officer wellness programs, optimizing the role of the school resource officer and implementing drone use in public safety. Hunter believes that the policing profession brings challenging and deeply complex human dynamics to organizations and only the brightest leaders should be charged with revolutionizing the profession.
Police1 articles by Hunter Panning:
- What young officers truly desire from their career, written by a truly young officer
- Ubuntu: Uniting hearts and transforming public safety for a better tomorrow
- Leadership development series: Using Bohm dialogue to strengthen communication in your law enforcement organization
- The role of moral philosophy in law enforcement education
About our sponsor
eSOPH is a secure, cloud-based, pre-employment background investigation software system designed specifically for public safety agencies. Used by hundreds of agencies nationwide, eSOPH has been credited with cutting the time it takes to process a pre-employment background investigation by up to 50%, saving agencies significant time, money, and resources without sacrificing investigation quality. For more information, go to eSOPH.com.
Key takeaways from this podcast episode:
- Higher education enhances decision-making and critical thinking: Studies suggest that officers with degrees may exhibit better communication skills, analytical thinking and emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations.
- Use-of-force incidents may decrease with education: Research has shown that officers with college degrees tend to rely more on de-escalation tactics and less on physical force.
- Economic barriers are a real concern: Many potential recruits, especially from diverse backgrounds, may be deterred from law enforcement careers due to the cost and time commitment of higher education.
- Real-world experience still matters: While education plays a role, veteran officers argue that experience on the streets and life lessons are just as crucial to developing good police work.
- A hybrid approach could be the future: Some agencies are considering models where recruits earn degrees while working, ensuring they gain both education and hands-on experience simultaneously.
Additional resources
- How a college degree improves performance, helps female officers advance
- State your case: Should prospective cops be required to have college degrees?
- Is a criminal justice degree worth it? The answer is yes.
- Why cops should consider getting a graduate degree
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