Officers Armed With Degrees: Does Education Shield Law Enforcement Officers From Complaints?

Abstract

This research explores how higher education among law enforcement officers may influence liability. Research in the area of police officer educational level and liability is sparse, with most comparing education with performance or other levels of measure. More specifically this thesis investigates complaints among police officers by level of education. In particular, the focus is on law enforcement officers with baccalaureate and more advanced degrees and their liability rates when compared to those with high school diplomas or GEDs. This study will examine criminal, civil, and administrative complaints that were filed against degreed and non-degreed law enforcement officers from a police department in Mahoning County, Ohio. These proceedings will then be analyzed to determine whether the degreed officers have a reduced risk of criminal, civil, and administrative liability. The central hypothesis is that degreed officers will have a lower rate of complaints sustained (in other words found guilty) when officially complained of wrongdoing in 1) criminal, 2) civil, and 3) administrative proceedings. The primary variables will be complaint type, education level, and complaint outcome. The importance of this research will assist law enforcement administrators address departmental liability risks and provide potential options to reducing liability.