Oregon Joins Debate Over Police Education Requirements
February 15, 2023 1:26PM PST
FILE – A Portland Police officer watches protesters rallying at the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse on Sept. 26, 2020, in Portland, Ore. An Oregon lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require law enforcement officers complete at least two years of postsecondary education. The bill would push back against the recent trend of lowering police hiring standards by requiring two years of postsecondary education for departments with less than 50 officers and a bachelor’s degree for departments with more than 50. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File)
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require police officers to complete at least two years of education beyond high school.
The bill comes amid renewed nationwide focus on police qualifications following the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols last month.
It would require two years of higher education for departments with less than 50 officers, and a bachelor’s degree for those with more than 50.
Many police departments say that raising education requirements would worsen staffing shortages and make police forces less diverse.
But reform advocates say that higher education can equip officers with critical life skills that could help improve their interactions with the public.
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