At the end of 2018, leaders from law enforcement agencies across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., to discuss the status of staffing. The consensus going in was that recruitment …Continued

After nearly 20 years of being out of school, Donald Butler completed his undergraduate degree. Although he had enrolled in college immediately after high school, an opportunity to join the …Continued

The world of academia exploded in scandal this year when news broke of celebrities and wealthy parents allegedly cheating the system to get their children admitted to Ivy League schools. …Continued

Not everybody is a natural-born scholar, but many law enforcement professionals recognize the value of higher education within the profession, as a second-career option and for personal satisfaction. In fact, …Continued

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. Based on the statistic, it’s no wonder that law enforcement professionals …Continued

From individual agency reporting to large studies conducted by forensic psychology researchers, evidence indicates law enforcement professionals (LEPs) oftentimes are the first responders to mental health incidents, whether identified as …Continued

Criminal justice degrees emphasizing human services can help officers help others. As a public servant, you regularly come in contact with a variety of people — witnesses and victims of …Continued

As a supplement to our print story on criminal justice and human services degree programs, faculty experts explain the benefits to a holistic approach for today’s policing. Traditionally, criminal justice …Continued

Figuring out how criminals conduct business is a key part of investigations. Tracking down identity thieves, money launderers, organized crime groups and many other offenders requires detectives to trace transactions …Continued

With a master’s degree in accounting, Detective Jesse Gossman doubles his investigative capabilities. After Detective Jesse Gossman earned his bachelor’s degree in public safety administration, he knew he wanted to …Continued

NFOPU Aids Officers in Pursuit of Excellence   In 2007, the Grand Lodge formed the National Fraternal Order of Police University (NFOPU) to help FOP members advance their careers through …Continued

If you’ve been contemplating returning to school, you’re probably aware of the benefits associated with a degree. For example, degree holders oftentimes qualify for rank promotions, which carry salary increases. …Continued

For the general public, the primary purpose of policing is to enforce the laws. Of course, those working in the field know that criminal cases aren’t always clear-cut whodunits. Officers …Continued

It’s hard not to notice the huge quantity of distance-learning programs available, but unless you’ve taken an online class recently, you might not be aware how mainstream and innovative this …Continued

Whether it’s gathering evidence in a terrorist-related crime or assisting with rescues after Mother Nature releases her fury, having a background in homeland security or emergency management pays off for …Continued

On New Year’s Day, as millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Rose Parade, what they didn’t see on camera was the increased presence of law enforcement along the …Continued

In previous articles, we’ve focused on how pursuing higher education not only helps officers increase their knowledge in a particular subject, but also improves written and verbal communications, critical thinking …Continued

As the weather cools, the leaves turn and backpack-laden kids head off to class, it’s a natural time for adults to contemplate going back to school, too. Finishing your college …Continued

¡Hola! Nasaktan ka? Hal beemkani mosa’adatuk? If you’re able to translate the above words — “Hello” in Spanish, “Were you hurt?” in Tagalog and “Can I help you?” in Arabic …Continued

These are difficult days for law enforcement. Recent events have ignited a polarized debate about public safety issues and placed police under intense scrutiny, while ubiquitous recording devices and social …Continued

Did you know that cybercrime is a multibillion-dollar industry? According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cybercrime cost victims and financial institutions $445 billion in 2013. The use …Continued

If you’ve considered going back to college but are hesitating because you aren’t sure how to balance your work, family and school obligations, consider this: There has never been a …Continued

The National Fraternal Order of Police University (NFOPU) is a consortium of colleges and universities that provide FOP members and their families with diverse learning programs. These programs are  traditional …Continued

By Riverside P.D. Sergeant Kevin Townsend, CA Lodge #8 You have a fresh haircut, are wearing your best suit, and somehow the moisture in your body has left your mouth …Continued

Law enforcement officers face dozens of important decisions every day. Some are tactical decisions that must be made in split seconds, while others are strategic decisions arrived at over the …Continued

Police work is more than traffic stops and paperwork. More than undercover drug buys and homicide investigations. More than sex offender checkups and DUI enforcement. A large part of law …Continued

Police officers across the country routinely encounter members of the public who speak little to no English. According to recent U.S. Census figures, 13% of the population is foreign born, …Continued

Master Sergeant Joanie Rupert, Oklahoma City Police Department Bilingual Coordinator, Oklahoma Lodge #123 How did your Spanish training program come about? Our Bilingual Unit was formed in 2002, in response …Continued

Surveys of law enforcement supervisors routinely identify written communication as one of the top competencies they look for when selecting officers for promotion or transfer to specialized units. Among the …Continued

By Dr. Donald R. Munday “Transferability” is a term that has been used for years in the law enforcement community. What does this mean? In many law enforcement agencies across …Continued

Fall is almost here. While that has traditionally meant the start of the school year, for adult learners the increase in online educational options has turned that convention on its …Continued

Todd Hirsch, Pennsylvania Lodge #42, B.S. Criminal Justice student (expected graduation fall 2013) Why did you decide to pursue a degree in criminal justice? I attended another university for two …Continued

Anthony Easter, Tennessee Lodge #22, M.S. Criminal Justice September 2005 Why did you decide to pursue a degree in criminal justice? I currently work for the Chattanooga Police Department in …Continued

Ryan Nelson, Idaho Lodge #6 President, B.A. Criminal Justice student (expected graduation end of 2013 or spring 2014) Why did you decide to pursue a degree in criminal justice? I …Continued

Although a degree in criminal justice isn’t a prerequisite for all public safety positions, it’s a popular choice, especially for officers already on the job who want to further their …Continued

Katherine Lawrence, Texas Lodge #323, M.S. Administration of Justice and Security January 2011 Why did you decide to pursue a degree in criminal justice? I have been a part of …Continued

As the prerequisites for entry and career advancement in the field of law enforcement have changed, the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP) has stepped up to help its members …Continued

With more and more police departments requiring four-year and graduate degrees in order for an officer to advance up the professional ladder, your decision to go back to school almost …Continued