THE IMPACT OF HIGHER EDUCATION: PERCEPTIONS OF POLICE OFFICERS: Historical Examination of Education and the Law Enforcement Profession

Higher education has become increasingly important in the field of law enforcement in recent years; however, little research has been done to determine the benefits of higher education on the field. This study was designed to address one of the issues of higher education in law enforcement. This study compares police officer perceptions of higher education and its effect upon the law enforcement profession. In particular, this study focused on determining whether or not there were differences in perceptions of the benefits of higher education on careers across different ranks. The Law Enforcement Perception Educational Survey (LEPES) was used to identify and compare data obtained from individuals at various levels of rank within the Phoenix Police Department. The LEPES assessed perceptions of the effectiveness of higher education in promoting career advancement and perceptions of the effectiveness of higher education in improving work performance. The survey was administered to 140 police officers, 35 from each rank: officer/detective, sergeant, lieutenant, executive / commander within the Phoenix Police Department.