Police Education Plan Qualifications Tighten

Massachusetts plans to raise the criteria for police officers receiving pay increases for obtaining college degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement.

As of September, students who participate in what is called the Quinn Bill program will no longer receive "life credit" for military experience or for training required to become a police officer. In addition, colleges will be expected to increase the value of their academic programs and hire faculty with higher levels of education.

Under the new rules, two-thirds of the faculty in criminal justice programs will have to hold a doctorate degree in criminal justice or a similar field. Colleges also will only be allowed to have 30 full-time students per one full-time students per one full-time faculty member.

Stephen P. Tocco, chairman of the board, said the program overhaul is a response to a number of concerns about the program, which costs taxpayers an estimated $100 million a year.