The effects of higher education on police officer performance and promotio

There has been an assumed relationship between police officer performance and education since the early 1900s. Few quantitative studies have demonstrated the ability to measure their relationship or the optimal level of education necessary for police officer performance. This study represents a focused approach utilizing a survey designed to measure perception of officer job performance as it relates to level of education in the first part of the study. The second part of the study examined performance evaluations to isolate items of police officer performance to determine the relationship between police officer performance and level of education.;This study is comprised of two quantitative parts. In the first part using data from a survey of 53 police officers at a police department in North Dakota, the analysis focused on the police officers' perception of the relationship of college education to the variables of confidence, responsibility, and job performance specifics. The second part examined performance evaluations of police officers and level of education to determine if a relationship existed between evaluations and level of education. Performance evaluations were provided by the study site, utilizing officers' self-report and supervisors' evaluations of job performance.;The results indicated that regardless of their educational background, officers rated themselves similarly in the categories of confidence, responsibility, and job performance. Results did show a significant difference in officers' response when years on the department were controlled. No significant differences were found when comparing officers' self-report and supervisors' performance evaluations when level of education was controlled.;The study contributes to the body of literature that exists on police officer performance and college education.