Résumé
"This study utilized a cross-sectional, dual data collection methodology to solicit police management (command and senior officers') attitudes and beliefs towards five distinct vectors or quadrants associated with policing and higher education (Expectations, Relevance, Financial Rewards, Promotions and Resources). A quantitative e-mail survey, employing a 5-point Likert scale and an optional qualitative follow-up semi-structured interview method of inquiry were employed.The multistage data collection process utilized a combination of both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. ... Findings indicate that command and senior officers modally believe that, the current minimum entry level educational standard should not be raised, that some level of higher education is necessary to meet the future needs of policing, educational attainment and wages should not be linked and that current financial support for members pursing higher education is sufficient. It was also observed that police management felt that, promotions should not be linked to educational attainment; all command officers should have a minimum baccalaureate degree, it is too costly to fully subsidize higher education for all members, and that other expenditures take priority over funding higher education. Emerging from the study was also evidence of significant disparity in educational benefit policy across jurisdictions. Command and senior officers were surprisingly unaware of the magnitude of such disparity and its ramifications. An additional outgrowth of this research was to highlight the premium value placed upon pre-hire military experience by police management."--Abstract.