Criminology and Criminal Justice through the Lenses of the Law Enforcement Community: An Attitudinal Assessment

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes of law enforcement officers regarding the academic study of crime. Specifically, 300 commissioned officers of a North Texas police department were asked to offer their opinions on the nature, relevance, and utility of studying criminology and criminal justice as it relates to a career in law enforcement. Respondents were demarcated into Criminology/Criminal Justice (CRCJ) and Non‐Criminology/Criminal Justice (Non‐CRCJ) education orientation or degree holders and comparisons of responses made. There were differences in responses between CRCJ and Non‐CRCJ but not statistically significant. The findings produced in this study are of particular relevance to educators, administrators, and all others concerned with how criminal justice practitioners value the academic study of crime and criminals. The underlying principle is that the perception of the law enforcement community has direct implication on the marketability, growth, and integrity of criminology and criminal justice as an academic field of study.

Keywords:

• Attitudinal Assessment
• Law Enforcement Community
• Crime Waves
• Higher Education