What was one expectation of officers during the reform/professionalism era regarding education?

During the reform/professionalism era, a significant expectation of officers was that higher education was encouraged. This period, typically identified in the mid-20th century, marked a shift towards a more professional approach to policing, where specialized training and education became essential components of police work. The belief was that officers who were better educated would be more capable of handling the complexities of modern law enforcement, including understanding laws, engaging with the community, and employing critical thinking skills in various situations.

Encouraging higher education among officers was seen as a way to improve the overall quality of police work, promote ethical practices, and foster a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce. This emphasis on education distinguished law enforcement as a profession, similar to other fields that required formal training and academic credentials. Hence, the reform era was characterized by an acknowledgment of the importance of education in developing effective and competent police officers.