Philly used to require an associates degree but eliminated that to be able to hire from within the community better. So pick one. Hire more qualified candidates or include members of the community who can’t meet that standard for whatever reason.

This is a pretty crazy take I don't think you really understand how this works and is overcomplicating things though you have SOME good points lol. With the crime rates so high and the current perception of police in the country it would literally be impossible for them to higher capable numbers with degrees. I don't think you really thought this through hence your dislikes. Statistically speaking cops are OVERWORKED and overwhelmed. Especially in places like Philadelphia where crime is so common to the point where police can't be at every single crime scene in a timely manner because of multiple variables and its not because they are lazy.

Do you know anybody that works for the Philly PD? Sound like you made alot of assumptions based off a few bad apples. We literally don't have enough personnel to handle every murder case with alot of efficiency because so many shootings happen! Think about that. I wouldn't even say it's the cops it's more so the people in the community that's problem we need to tackle.

Edit:I'm also gonna add that police officer murders are up 59% which is another factor why it would be harder to get more cops with degrees. Also, a degree wouldn't make a cop any better. As someone who been in the military for 6 years a degree DOES NOT make someone better fit for the job. I've seen alot of college specialists with no common sense or even the bravery the guys without a degree have. It comes down to the individual. These are selfless jobs. School isn't going to teach you that.

Why would anyone want to be a cop here or any major city is beyond me. For most qualified applicants and hard workers departments like Philly are either stepping stones or just a way to get the certification to move on to smaller and better agencies.

As far as sitting on their ass and not doing anything big city departments including Philly are restricted in what they can do. One example in Philly is they started this program where they’re paired up with a trooper who isn’t restricted by Philly policies and consent decrees to actually make proactive efforts which won’t get thrown out in court because of local policy violations.

Not sure why the downvotes but everything you said is true.

>There needs to be complete restructuring of requirements to be a cop - 4 year degree in sociology/psychology/criminal justice before entering police academy would be a start.

I agree with your sentiments. They typically will not hire people above a certain IQ point, with their rational being that someone smarter would get 'bored of the job, leave, and the training would be a waste'