College Bound Cops Police Officers Attaining A Higher Level of Education

Why? Should the Austin Police Department concern itself whether officers attain a Bachelor or Graduate Degree? Do Police Officers desire a higher level of education? Does the public care whether police officers have a college degree?

Things Have Changed! Austin area has tremendous population growth. Austin Core Industry has changed from State Government/College Town, to Technically Sophisticated City. Demographic Population Shift. Rapidly Changing Technologies & Procedures within Law Enforcement. Public Demands more from Law Enforcement.

Changes in Ten Years U.S. Census Bureau 1990 County & Population Bastrop 38,263 Hays 65,614 Travis 576,407 Williamson 139,551 Total 819, County & Population Bastrop 57,733 Hays 97,589 Travis812,280 Williamson249,967 Total1,217,569

Projected Growth Years 2000, 2010 & 2020 City of Austin & MSA Sustain pop. growth 2.1% through From 1980 to 2010 MSA growth is 147% MSA mil State of Texas 2020 Pop. Growth of 35 % Median age 30 years 55% pop. will be under 35 yoa.

Percentage of USA Pop. Over 25 Year < 3 yrs College Bachelor or Higher %11% %17% %21% %25.6% U.S. Census Bureau

Percentage College Graduates by State 1990 California23.4 Louisiana16.1 New York23.1 Oklahoma17.8 Texas20.3 Washington22.9 U.S. Census Bureau 1999 California27.1 Louisiana20.7 New York26.9 Oklahoma23.7 Texas24.4 Washington28.6

Percentage of Population with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Dallas Houston San Antonio (16) San Jose * Austin * 34.4 (45) * Not published ( ) Projected U.S.Census Bureau

APD Officer Survey-Patrol Source: 219 Completed Surveys - NW, NE, CE, SE & SW Age Years of Service College Credit > 31 hr Degree or Higher Desire Higher Level of Education No Desire 33.7 yoa 6.8 years 38 % 34 % 58% 28%

Survey Officer Age Groups Under 35 years Median Age 28.6 APD yrs. 2.9 >31 hrs college 40% Bachelor Degree 39% Desire Higher 70% Education 35 & Up years Median Age 42 APD yrs. 13 >31 hrs college 37% Bachelor Degree 26% Desire Higher 38% Education

Survey - Reasons Given for Desire of Higher Education! Personal Goal Set Example to their Children Career Enhancement Competitive Necessary in Future Qualify for Other LE Opportunities Why Not!

Survey - Perceived Barriers to Higher Education. Shift-work, days off vary. Lack of Flexibility within APD Class Accessibility Family Obligations Financial No Incentive

Survey – Assistance to Officers Continuing Their Education. Adjust Shift Rotation, Flex time, etc. Credit for Academy Time APD sites Encourage Education Pts in Promotional Process Partnerships w/ Area Institutions Educational Representative

Areas of Interest What are the current levels of education within APD? Who will benefit from police officers attaining higher education? What are the APD recruit educational requirements? How can officers attend to their studies? What are the barriers officers perceive?

West Point Theories Adult Development Attribution Equity Expectancy Motivation Through Job Redesign Counseling – Stress Management

Plan Develop a Comprehensive Information Resource for Officers. Assist Officers in a realistic assessment of personal educational goals. Have college counselors available at specific periods to advise officers. Acknowledge officers attaining a higher level of education. Point of Contact within APD

Assessment Check Enrollment Records for Participants Check City Tuition Reimbursement Office Survey after a year for feedback A measurable change in the APD Training Files. Change in Organizational Culture

Recent APD Academy Cadet Class Graduates 100 th Cadet Class Average Age25 yr 60+ hrs 924 % Bachelor1438 % Masters 1 3 % 37 Cadets Started Each Class Source:APD Academy 101 th Cadet Class Average Age27 yr 60+ hrs 616 % Bachelor 1130 %.

Current Level of Education Austin PD - All Officers 60+ Hours25322 % Bachelor Degree35330 % MastersDegree 90.7 % Doctorate % Average Age 38 years Source: APD Academy

Comparison - City Police Minimum Educational Eligibility Requirements Without Prior LE or Military Experience