August 10, 2025
As police departments across the U.S. grapple with staffing shortages, many cities are easing education requirements in hopes of attracting more applicants to law enforcement careers.
Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Phoenix have recently revised their hiring standards, reducing or eliminating college credit requirements that were once seen as essential for new recruits. Instead, departments are now placing more value on practical experience, such as military service or community involvement.
“We’re seeing fewer candidates apply, and that’s putting a strain on our ability to serve the community,” said Chief Angela Torres of the Phoenix Police Department. “We have to adapt, and that means removing barriers that may no longer make sense.”
Traditionally, many police departments required applicants to have at least 60 college credit hours or an associate degree. These benchmarks were introduced to professionalize the field and promote critical thinking and ethical judgment. However, with fewer people entering law enforcement and more officers leaving the profession, departments are rethinking what qualifications are truly necessary.
In Chicago, for example, the police department announced earlier this year that college credits are no longer required if an applicant has prior military service or relevant work experience. Philadelphia and other cities are considering similar changes.
A nationwide shortage of officers is driving these shifts. A 2025 report by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) found that many departments are operating at 10% to 15% below their full staffing levels due to retirements, resignations, and declining interest in the profession.
Some critics warn that lowering educational standards could have long-term consequences. “Policing requires strong communication, decision-making, and cultural competency — skills that are often developed in higher education,” said Dr. Lena Morgan, a professor of criminology at Howard University. “We risk losing that if we focus only on filling vacancies quickly.”
However, supporters argue that easing requirements may actually strengthen departments by attracting more diverse candidates who may not have had the opportunity to pursue college but bring valuable life experience.
“Good officers don’t all come from the same mold,” said Darnell Hughes, a former officer and community advocate in St. Louis. “Some of the best people for this job are being overlooked because of outdated rules.”
To balance concerns, some departments are expanding in-house training and mentorship programs to ensure that new recruits — regardless of educational background — are equipped for the complex demands of modern policing.
“We’re not lowering the bar,” Chief Torres emphasized. “We’re adjusting it to reflect today’s realities and to build stronger, more connected police forces.” to
