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some weight to it." A sergeant from Deiaware stated, "i am in between the `yes' and `no.' I firnily believe in continuing one's education. However, [ have seen supervisors who have had degrees who had no business being supervi- sors. [ have also seen supervisors who did not have a degree and I wouid be very content to work under them." A sergeant from Illinois, who holds a bachelor's degree, wrote, "I don't beiieve a college degree should be required if the individual has decnonstrated the necessary skills Eo be a good supervisor." Many of those in favor of a degree requirement were very articulate in citing their reasons. Here are socne examples: A 12-year lieutenant fro�n Massachusetts wrote, "The world is changing. Th�job is changing. The public expects educated police super- visors. The wriiing and other skills learned are as valuable as the degree." A 23-year lieutenant &om Tennessee answered "yes" and expiained why. "In an information- based age such as the one in which we live, and which will only become more demanding in the near future, supervisors must be abie to deal ia a more complex and diverse social environmen�'- An eight=year sergeant fcom a medium-sized agency in Texas stat- ed, "The process of obtaining a cal- lege degree instills particu�ar quali- ties which are valuable to a suQervi- sor. These qualiries inciude organiza- tionat-sitilis, planning and the ability to follow through with a Long-ter�n project. You are also given opportu- nities to interact with a wide variety of people." T'he greatest single indicator as to whether or not a respondent would answer "yes" or "no" to the degree requirement was his or her own level of education_ Among supervisors who had "high school oniy," only 24% felt a college degree was neces- sary_ But, among those who hold a "master's dcgree or above," 78% felt there should be a degree requirement. Howcver, a 29-vear veteran from Iowa, with 20 years as a sergeant, sununed up the views of the majority of respondents, whether they voted "yes" or "no" for a degree require- ment. He cited fo�.ir reasons to have college-educated police supervisors. "( L) The public expects it as the general population is bccoming more educated_ (2} More line officers have degrees. They have iittle respect for supervisocs who don't. (3) The term professionalism requires some stan�ard to begin with. Education is usually onc of the building points. (4) Better employees_" 7he sergeant's fourth point says iE all. rJ Koger Fulton is a retired capt¢in from the Netiv York State Police and . a contributing editor for Law Enforcement Technology. �_•;r;�=tj:� ��'`"- " - >`:+ �'^ .`-ti,� ��_�Y� •.� �,�E, -. ' ;;i�,:.;� • . •�` . , . ; :',1C . - -. . , 'r:'�';:';��::ti.�'1��.r'��- _ .. , :;,�. , � �*>, � .� r• �Y�7:.�' � S� ��. �ti �a, � a�)� -�� , f� �:;:�'�C .�_._._..._•____.�..' ^ � ti--.c. '., �L�. T�E TECH f � � ��■ s �� i'rrw�� TNE EFFECTlVf RESTRAINT S!'STEM P.6. Box 5226 � Lynnwood, WA 98Q46-5226 Ph: (425) T43-5863 • Fax: (425) 745-3934 SAFECU� is a hand held, wel� balanced webbing cutter that simpiy and safefy cuts seat he�t�, harnesses, and mobility aid tie tlowns, in emergency situations. SAFECUT is made of darahle polycarbonate, and comes in bright yellow for ease �n iocating anywhere in the vehicfe. SAFECUT cornes with Vekcrn Brand'" Velcro, to be attached to one side makine it eas� ta mount to the dashboard of your vehicle, or any convenient location. SAFECIfT is individually packaged, and cames with a blade that is replaceable Write in 30 on Reader Service Card �I�arrh 'I OQO �' a�,tr Cnfnr�o..+aM Tari��•. 7"�