In today’s world, every action of law enforcement is challenged and scrutinized by society. Police officers not only have a role in maintaining law and order, but they also have a societal role. On a daily basis, they engage with numerous people, communities and neighborhoods. As they interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, police officers can benefit from improving their communication abilities. Officers might be more adept at addressing cultural differences upon earning a BA degree in a policing program.
By constantly upgrading your skills and knowledge, you can better understand different perspectives, which will allow you to operate within society in a better way. With an online Bachelor of Policing degree, you can evaluate and improve your skills in law enforcement from the comfort of your home.
Critical thinking, conflict resolution and leadership abilities are all essential for you to succeed at work. For this reason, police officer education places a strong emphasis on improving skills in these areas.
According to a 2020 study by American researchers Leanna Bouffard and Gaylene Armstrong, “higher education is a critical factor in providing police officers the tools to accomplish five key objectives of 21st century policing”. A well-educated police officer is less likely to use violence while on duty, and more likely to focus on problem-solving, relate better to the community, help fellow officers in identifying best practices and become a better leader.
Why is it important to continue police officer education?
As a police officer, you are sworn to protect and serve. You get on-the-job training, but there are multiple ways in which you can prepare yourself for higher positions within the department.
With policing education degrees such as a Bachelor’s in Policing Studies, you can get a solid foundation that will help you make a difference on a larger scale.
Just like other sectors, leadership positions in policing also require a combination of experience, skills and higher education. This education in the field of policing studies can offer exciting developmental opportunities. It will also help to improve your effectiveness in day-to-day tasks and increase your potential for advancement to higher leadership roles.
A degree in policing studies will provide you with the knowledge and abilities you need to pursue employment in law enforcement, criminal justice systems, corrective services, border protection, intelligence, security or fraud management. You can become a force for good in society while being sworn to protect and serve.
How to earn a degree in policing from the comfort of your own home
When it comes to finding the best degree for enhancing your knowledge and skills in law enforcement, the most important thing is to identify the type of course or degree you can undertake. There are online and offline programs that you can enroll in, depending on your preference.
If you are working as a police officer, it is better to choose an online curriculum, as you can continue working while learning in the policing study program.
A policing course can equip you with the skills necessary to conduct an independent critical evaluation of policy and practice. You will be able to integrate the findings of policing research into professional practice.
While opting for an online degree is feasible in terms of work commitments, it is still important to consider the costs associated with it. Investing in higher education is essential for your future, and the addition of knowledge will increase your confidence and place you above your peers.
Which is the best degree for a police officer?
Becoming a police officer is not just about showing up at the local police station and proceeding with ‘police training’ that is more like an informal education. In earlier times, this level of knowledge passed down from superiors and veterans was sufficient. However, nowadays, moving up in the ranks is not as simple as having this type of informal education and showing an aptitude for the job.
So, you may become a police officer in this informal way but advancing to the level of sergeant or detective isn’t an easy task.
The way you can reach the top ranks in the policing service is through a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement. With an appropriate degree, you can progress from the basic minimum wages of a patrolling officer to a well-paid detective or senior officer.
Several online degree programs will give you the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without missing time from work.
Who needs a BA Policing degree?
A Bachelor’s degree in Policing is not essential for becoming a police officer, but it can certainly give you an advantage over your peers.
It’s not just designed for new candidates of the police force who are looking to advance in their careers. If you are a retired cop searching for a job in the private sector, an online BA in Policing can help you get there.
A job in public safety is a great choice for those who can adjust rapidly to changing situations. You can benefit from courses designed exclusively for the police force to remain on top of changing demographics and technology. Each course is developed in collaboration with law enforcement professionals, resulting in a top-notch, cutting-edge program.
As you advance in your course as a police officer, you’ll be able to identify the signs of trauma and develop coping mechanisms for yourself, your fellow cops and the community. You will also be able to recognize criminological and psychological concepts relevant to law enforcement and detective work. In-depth analysis of the current issues with justice and policing will become easier to understand.
Graduates of BA Policing degree programs are better equipped to serve and protect their communities and fellow officers. As the overall course builds on your experience, you will be able to expand your knowledge and grow both personally and professionally.
Finding a good online Bachelor of Policing program
When it comes to choosing the best program for a Bachelor’s in Policing Studies, it is important to choose a provider that your local policing department and the government recognize.
Some of the programs are designed for working officers with at least one year of job experience, while others are designed for people looking to join the police force.
A program for working officers will consider their hands-on experiences on the job while explaining things in the lecture. Attending lectures with like-minded individuals will give you access to the thoughts and experiences of peers, strengthening the learning environment. You will have a better understanding of the course content.
Taking three to four years off from the policing job is not convenient or feasible for all, so many universities offer an online Bachelor of Policing degree. Online education offers flexibility, so you can continue working while studying.
Many degrees are not just manageable, but they also allow you to apply the concepts learned in the virtual classroom directly in the field. As you move forward in the course, you can gain skills that can be applied to your current role without waiting to complete the curriculum. Real-world experience will also aid in a better understanding of concepts and provide a basis for learning new information.
You can engage in dynamic, career-enhancing policing courses while working in your current job and maintaining your present day-to-day commitments.
What’s included in a BA in Policing degree curriculum?
Knowledge is power, and as a police officer, it will help you to make informed decisions while on the job.
This degree will build upon your existing skills and enhance your judgment in real-life situations. This will not only help you succeed in the professional setting, but also in your personal life. Many of the online degrees in policing studies are created by field experts, and are designed with an academic curriculum that is in line with the current complex policing conditions.
As a student in the degree course, you will be able to participate in discussions and ponder over the modern policing challenges regarding public safety.
It is not just about expanding your knowledge, as it will also reflect your commitment to the job. Whether you are looking forward to moving to the detective position or rising up to be the Chief of Police, a BA in Policing will be essential for your growth.
Along with all the theoretical knowledge, you also receive training in areas that are considered important by the law enforcement officers of your region. The course will also help improve your resiliency through open discussions about experiences related to trauma and other critical incidents.
Duration of a BA in Policing degree
Overall, the duration of the BA Policing program depends on the number of transfer credits and how many courses you can take in parallel. The most common duration of degree completion is three to four years.
No matter where you take your degree in police studies, you will have to attend the lectures virtually or physically. In addition, there will be projects, written essays, tests, quizzes and other exams. As long as you fulfill all these requirements successfully, at the end of the course, you will be awarded a degree.
Usually, the BA degree in Policing Studies has 10 credits for essential police courses and 10 elective credits, where each course is about 12 weeks long. Universities typically allow officers to take a maximum of three courses in a term so that they can finish the degree in three to four years.
Most BA Policing degrees are designed so that officers can focus on graduating quickly while keeping the cost of education affordable.
Career prospects after earning a BA in Policing degree
With a BA in Policing, you will not only earn advanced credentials to accomplish your goals but also stand out from other candidates. The degree will give you an edge to get ready for leadership roles, especially in organizations that give importance to lifelong learning.
From a junior level role, you can move up to roles such as Police Sergeant, Police Detective, Intelligence Analyst or Deputy Chief of Police.
No matter where you are in the world, the career outlook for policing candidates is quite positive. Careers within the police department are expected to rise over the next few years to support the growing population of the world.
In addition to supporting the growing population, there will be a steady flow of vacancies as career officers retire and leave the force. In a competitive environment, a BA degree in Policing can give you an edge over your peers when it comes to advancing up the professional ladder.
Final thoughts
Due to the pandemic, police officers were in the limelight regarding the enforcement of restrictions and lockdowns. Policing was also scrutinized due to the actions of a few officers against Black and other people of color. Calls to defund police forces and cut budgets were also quite prevalent during the pandemic.
Despite all this, local police are always a source of pride, and the officers are still appreciated. Officers need to be prepared for the demands and challenges of the 21st century. This has significantly increased the requirement for police training and policing studies. A basic degree or diploma is not sufficient for advancing in a career. Several courses are designed to create a solid foundation for existing and future police officers.
An online BA degree in Policing will help police officers gain more knowledge, information, learn skills and develop a solid foundation while continuing to work as an officer. The degree will also give police officers a chance to rise through the ranks and move into leadership roles, starting from junior-level patrol officers. These policing courses will equip officers with the abilities to face new challenges, serve diverse and complex communities and deal with the ever-evolving nature of crimes.
