Police Officers and Law School: Debunking Myths about Educating Law Enforcement
There has been considerable debate regarding the necessity of police officers receiving a legal education prior to serving as law enforcement officers. Some argue that sending all police officers to law school would lower the risk of them becoming bad or foolish officers, while others suggest that such a measure would be impractical and costly.
The Misconception of High-Quality Lawyers
It is important to dispel the notion that legal education is a guarantee of moral conduct or wisdom. The statement that all law school graduates would be better people is not backed by any substantial evidence. According to Andrew, there are many lawyers who are unethical, perhaps even deserving of jail time.
Referring to a more anecdotal view, Andrew notes that through all the training and their careers, police officers often find themselves maneuvering based on the suspects' dictates, not their own. This situation is not unique to law enforcement and is a constant among most officers. It emphasizes the complex decisions officers must make under pressure.
Common Decency and Moral Integrity
Education in law school does not inherently transform individuals into better people. Those who are already immoral will not become ethical solely because they have a law degree. On the flip side, those who are ethical are not likely to become any worse merely because they have graduated from law school. The change in character, if any, is not attributed to the educational experience but rather to personal values and life experiences.
The idea that law school would turn people into fools is also questionable. While it is true that fools may not typically make it through law school, the occasional moment of foolishness is human and should not be a prerequisite for any profession.
Practicality and Reality
The practicality of sending all police officers to law school is another critical factor. Andrew points out that law school is not a cheap endeavor, and the cost could be prohibitive for many cities. Realistically, officers would not want to pursue further education if it means taking another four years away from their careers and earning more money.
Moreover, police officers already receive extensive legal training as part of their initial academy training and continuous education throughout their careers. Most states mandate yearly legal updates and require officers to engage in ongoing legal training and Continuing Legal Education (CLE). As Andrew notes, by the halfway point of a police officer's career, they may have accumulated more legal training than someone with a law degree and higher pay.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
The debate about whether police officers should go to law school before serving is complex. While a legal education might provide valuable insights and enhance ethical decision-making, it is not a silver bullet solution to the issue of officer misconduct. Instead, a more balanced approach is necessary, which includes robust training, ethical codes, and regular evaluations. The goal should be to empower officers with the knowledge and skills to make ethical and informed decisions in the critical moments they encounter on the job.