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Goldschmidt: [Continuing education] should be done for pro- fessional development. A professional officer is an educated, ethical and competent officer who is less likely to be the target of complaints and lawsuits.
Brady: The more continuing education courses an officer takes, the wider knowledge base they will have on specific topics that can make them invaluable to their organization. We have become such a technology-driven society, and there are many ways that technology can assist a police of- ficer. I remember the days as a law enforcement
agent before computers and cell phones. We have come so far, technology-wise, in so little time that we need to continue our education to be successful in any job. Education in the techno- logical aspects of the job is critical as well for police officers, as this new technology can assist officers in the performance of their duties. Officers need to continue their education in this area and stay up [to date] on rapidly advancing technology that assists policing in the 21st century.
What advice can you offer Chicago Police Officers to motivate them to further their education?
McGuire: It’s the vehicle to show your family members that ed- ucation is important and that anyone can do it. Furthering your education will only enhance your ability to be a professional police officer in addition to exposing you to new thought pro- cesses and the ability to learn new things centric to your job.
Markovic: Take control of your future. There are so many rea- sons to finish or continue your education. Programs are in place to assist these officers in attaining their degrees. Now is the time to prepare yourself for that next step in [your] career, whatever it may be.
Brady: I would first ask the officer what their career goals are. Do they want to be the best investigator they can be? Perhaps they want to be the chief of police someday. I would tell them that they are learning something every day while on the job anyway. By combining the field experience they already have and learning a new theory or tactic in a classroom regarding a particular aspect of their job, they will have a well-rounded ed- ucation, and that will transfer to being even more successful on the job.
Liljedahl: Continuing your education will sharpen your analyt- ical skills in order to work your way through case scenarios. You can then use these skills post-retirement in another field.
Parker: An education is an investment in yourself, your loved ones, your colleagues, the department and your community. The City of Chicago provides members of the Chicago Police Department a generous tuition reimbursement program. And several institutions, like Saint Xavier University, provide addi- tional financial support and assistance; so, for many officers, there are no or only nominal out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, the investment on the officer’s side is time and effort. Given all the benefits that have been discussed, for yourself as well as your loved ones, colleagues and the department – and your commu- nity – why would you not make the investment in yourself to further your education? The return-on-investment can be re- markable.
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2020 51
2020 EDUCATION GUIDE:
Advancing your career
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