Degree for chief vital

Jeff Dobrow, the son of Spokane’s acting police chief, has criticized the city (Feb. 12) for requiring a college degree for our next police chief, something his father lacks. Lest anyone think a degree is merely a formality, think again.

In the 12 years I’ve lived here, Spokane has paid millions of dollars in attorneys fees and legal judgments to settle lawsuits brought by victims of unconstitutional actions and misconduct by police officers. We taxpayers foot that bill.

Having a chief who is knowledgeable about the governing legal standards and who is willing to enforce them is essential to prevent or at least substantially reduce the frequency and severity of such events in the future.

Not surprisingly, when police officers, jail personnel and others in law enforcement obtain college degrees, they often major (or at least take coursework) in criminal justice, where such legal standards are taught.

In the early 1980s when I was in college obtaining such a degree myself (with a view to law school), most of my classmates were law enforcement personnel, attending college part time.

Finally, even the lowliest FBI agent needs a degree to get hired. Surely our police chief needs at least the same education.

Sheri Engelken

Spokane