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Fraternal Order of Police Educational Services Newsletter Sept 2020 FOP UNIVERSITY www fop net 2019 National Fraternal Order of Police
Education Services 701 Marriott Dr Nashville TN 37214 615 399 0900 or 800 451 2711 Fax 615 399 0400 National Executive Board Patrick Yoes President Joe Gamaldi Vice President Jimmy Holderfield Secretary Tom Penoza Treasurer Les Neri 2nd Vice President Keith Turney Sgt at Arms Rob Pride Chairman of Trustees Education Services Committee Ron Bartmier OK Chairirman Bill Splawn WA Richard Boyd OK Bruce Bialorucki IL Daren Mcneil WV John Marasco MI The Education Services Committee is charged with setting the agendas for the annual Leadership Matters in Nashville and the educational breakouts during our Biennial Conferences We oversee the vetting and maintain the relationships of online colleges who are members of the consortium known as the NFOPU We are responsible for approving requests for scholarships from members to attend one of the many educational opportunities that are available through the Grand Lodge The scholarships are in the form of the waiver of registration fees for the classes These are specifically for members of lodges that are having financial issues but still need the training We continue to approve reimbursement scholarships for 500 for members who have completed semesters in one of the accredited colleges in our consortium John Dipietro OH Ron Bartmier rlbart188 aol com Toby Deaton IN Chairman Education Services Committee www fop net
Master s in Criminal Justice Investigating Your Options Today there are many more options than just the traditional criminal justice degree Universities understand that students have varying goals and career ambitions which is why there are so many law enforcement and criminal justice master s degree programs now being offered When evaluating your options it s important to consider what type of specialization you are most interested in Here are the different criminal justice master s degree specializations you could consider Criminology Criminal Justice Homeland Security Public Administration Law Enforcement Leadership Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice To best select your higher education path be sure to explore the options to see which criminal justice master s degree will be most helpful to your specific career goals These degree programs will prepare you for a wide variety of career paths ranging from FBI Agent to Policy Management to Chief of Police Here is a comparison of four of the most popular master s degree programs related to the field of criminal justice Master s in Criminal Justice A master s degree in criminal justice is in most cases an extension of a bachelor s degree in criminal justice focusing on research methods statistics criminology and project management Criminal justice graduate programs typically emphasize criminology research and theory over practical skills Core course examples include Crime Causation Prevention and Control Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research Criminal Justice Management Research Methods While studying criminal justice has historically been a common path for those who have aspired to move into command positions most curricula have not changed over the past two decades In today s evolving law enforcement landscape where leadership and management skills are in high demand there s a case to be made that the traditional criminal justice degree may lack practical application for law enforcement leaders This degree is often best suited for individuals who want to do academic research in criminal justice and perhaps even go on to earn their Ph D It tends to emphasize academic analysis of criminal behavior as a social construct and is typically less focused on practical training useful in confronting today s policing challenges Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice Master of Public Administration MPA The objective of a master s degree in public administration is typically to prepare law enforcement professionals for managerial roles in firehouses police or sheriff s departments or other governmental or non profit agencies This degree offers a broader look at the field by focusing on public safety in general as opposed to just the law enforcement segment and concentrates heavily on the skills required to manage a department such as training development HR and administration Core course examples include Public Safety Administration and Management Public Safety Law and Civil Liability Multicultural Diversity Human Resources Management Law enforcement professionals with a master s in public administration typically find jobs in emergency management university campuses environmental protection or in federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security Because this degree is so broad it can be applied to a number of positions within these sectors from an air marshal or policy analyst to a corporate security officer or an emergency management director Master s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership The master s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership is a more modern degree that was born from an industry need for strategic law enforcement leaders This training has equipped them to deal with the challenging range of issues facing today s criminal justice executives including policecommunity relations and the increased use of technology by both criminals and law enforcement This leadership focused master s degree offers practical rather Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice than theoretical curriculum that emphasizes tangible skill building in management and staffing communication conflict resolution budgeting public safety law and other skills required of today s law enforcement executives Core course examples include Data Fluency and Analysis Public Policy Innovation Budget and Finance for Law Enforcement Leaders Best Practices in Community Engagement Law Enforcement Management and Conflict Resolution Communication Skills for Law Enforcement Leaders Professionals with a master s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership are typically working in or aspiring to command level positions in local state and federal agencies This degree is also appealing to law enforcement professionals who are nearing the end of their career and looking for a practical professional development program that will support their post retirement aspirations Advice for Choosing a Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Master s Degree Program If you are an experienced law enforcement or criminal justice professional who is thinking about earning your master s degree chances are you re motivated by some of the following reasons To advance your career via internal promotion or by transferring to another department or agency To better position yourself to move up the ranks into future leadership roles To learn more about many of the strategies trends and technologies that are reshaping police work in the 21st century Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice To broaden your perspective by interacting with fellow criminal justice professionals representing a wide range of different agencies and geographies To lay the groundwork for a second career after retirement in law enforcement or criminal justice or perhaps a privatesector role that leverages your experience and expertise To develop a deeper understanding of highly relevant topics like organizational dynamics communication techniques collective bargaining and contract negotiation budgeting and more To embrace the personal and professional challenge of fulfilling a long held goal Or bottom line to make an even greater impact on the communities that you serve These are just some of the reasons why many law enforcement professionals consider earning a master s in criminal justice And while an increase in pay may not be your primary motivation many departments and agencies do offer salary increases to officers with advanced degrees Having your master s degree will also give you a competitive edge when putting in for promotion or applying to a new department or agency Choosing Your Criminal Justice Master s Degree Key Questions to Consider There are plenty of questions that come to mind when exploring your options for earning a master s degree in criminal justice Depending on your situation these may include How will a master s degree help me position myself for promotion and career growth in the criminal justice field Will a master s degree enable me to earn a higher salary in my department or agency Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice How long does it take to get the criminal justice master s degree I m considering What does the curriculum look like for various criminal justice master s degrees Does an online degree carry the same weight as an oncampus degree I ve got a lot on my plate with young kids at home and an unpredictable work schedule How will I fit a master s degree into my schedule I earned my bachelor s degree 20 years ago How well will I be able to readjust to academics and stay focused in an online graduate program You probably already have some clear ideas about your career aspirations and how a master s degree can help you reach those goals Maybe you want to rise to the rank of chief of police in your hometown or city department Or if you re nearing retirement perhaps you re looking to start teaching the next generation of law enforcement professionals at a college or university as a criminal justice professor But one common denominator is that whatever your goals your master s degree in criminal justice may be instrumental in helping you achieve them in several ways By expanding your knowledge and expertise and sharpening your leadership acumen By giving you a clear competitive edge against applicants who lack your educational credentials By potentially qualifying you for a salary increase One study titled Policing Around the Nation Education Philosophy and Practice found that nearly 40 of departments and agencies offer at least a 5 pay increase for officers who obtain a master s degree while 20 increase pay by 7 5 or more Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice According to the same study 35 1 of law enforcement CEOs have earned at least a master s degree and officers with higher education tend to be perceived as more effective in a broad range of law enforcement duties The time commitment for earning your master s degree in criminal justice is typically 20 24 months But what type of graduate degree program makes the most sense for you On Campus vs Online Criminal Justice Master s Degree Programs Many law enforcement and criminal justice professionals prefer an online format because it offers flexibility to schedule their school responsibilities around the demands of their work duties and family life Fortunately many universities are offering online degree programs that are just as academically rigorous if not more so than their on campus counterparts There are also hybrid programs that mix the in person classroom experience with the virtual or online component The best online programs typically emphasize robust interaction with fellow students allowing law enforcement professionals from around the country to learn from one another s diverse experiences Another benefit of an online degree program is that they generally require more writing a skill that is extremely valuable in many fields but especially in law enforcement leadership Choosing Your Criminal Justice Master s Degree Other Factors to Consider Whatever program you select the following are some of the attributes you may wish to prioritize when evaluating your criminal justice master s degree options Leadership development is emphasized in the curriculum Coursework is designed to be practical and applied not abstract or theoretical Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice According to the same study 35 1 of law enforcement CEOs have earned at least a master s degree and officers with higher education tend to be perceived as more effective in a broad range of law enforcement duties The time commitment for earning your master s degree in criminal justice is typically 20 24 months But what type of graduate degree program makes the most sense for you On Campus vs Online Criminal Justice Master s Degree Programs Many law enforcement and criminal justice professionals prefer an online format because it offers flexibility to schedule their school responsibilities around the demands of their work duties and family life Fortunately many universities are offering online degree programs that are just as academically rigorous if not more so than their on campus counterparts There are also hybrid programs that mix the in person classroom experience with the virtual or online component The best online programs typically emphasize robust interaction with fellow students allowing law enforcement professionals from around the country to learn from one another s diverse experiences Another benefit of an online degree program is that they generally require more writing a skill that is extremely valuable in many fields but especially in law enforcement leadership Choosing Your Criminal Justice Master s Degree Other Factors to Consider Whatever program you select the following are some of the attributes you may wish to prioritize when evaluating your criminal justice master s degree options Leadership development is emphasized in the curriculum Coursework is designed to be practical and applied not abstract or theoretical Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice 21st century policing is the focus with in depth study of current criminal justice and law enforcement challenges Law enforcement professionals and public safety organizations have provided input to ensure that the program has a relevant real world focus Faculty is comprised of experienced criminal justice professionals rather than academic professors Tuition discounts are offered for working law enforcement professionals active duty military and veterans Veterans should confirm that the university accepts G I Bill funding and participates in the VA s Yellow Ribbon Program Flexible class scheduling can make it possible for you to complete your coursework without interfering with your work or family obligations The path toward graduation is reasonable in duration ideally less than two years for a master s degree The graduation rate for the program is high indicating there is a low dropout rate and that most of the students who enroll are able to complete the program Academic Accreditation Regional vs National When searching for the best criminal justice or law enforcement master s degree for your needs it is wise to limit your search to reputable regionally accredited universities Regional accreditation is typically awarded to degree oriented non profit or state owned institutions It is the most widely accepted and trusted in terms of transfer credit and eligibility for employer tuition assistance programs National accreditation customarily refers to for profit colleges or religious schools that offer vocational or technical training Many agencies and departments will not recognize degrees or Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice coursework from nationally accredited schools This means that if your department offers tuition assistance or increased pay upon degree completion you may not qualify for these benefits if you select a nationally accredited university rather than one that has earned regional accreditation Additionally if you decide to transfer to another university mid stream you may find that the units you earned at a nationally accredited university cannot be transferred This is the unfortunate situation many students have recently experienced after the closure of several for profit schools Master s Degree Curriculum Leadership Skills vs Criminology Public Policy and Theory Because criminal justice master s degree programs typically emphasize criminology the scientific study of crime and criminals and theory over tangible skills in leadership and management the most useful criminal justice degree might just be a master s in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership A master s degree focused on law enforcement leadership like the one offered online by University of San Diego will include a practical curriculum that addresses the diverse set of skills needed to perform as an effective leader in today s rapidly evolving law enforcement landscape These include Leadership and supervision Critical thinking and conflict resolution Budgeting staffing and financial management Awareness of the expanding role of technology Analytical skills for assessing crime trends and allocating resources appropriately Comprehensive understanding of public safety and constitutional law amid today s evolving landscape Communication to the media with the community between colleagues with political officials and more Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice The ability to engage with the community and develop policies that build trust and support a positive policecommunity relationship Now more than ever police officers need leaders to understand how to lead and inspire those they oversee They need to identify and react appropriately not just to the challenges on the streets but to the ever changing communities they work in and the political demands placed upon them said Brian Goldberg Captain Retired of the San Diego Police Department The University of San Diego has stepped up and embraced the leadership challenges faced daily by organizations all over the country There is no better program or university to step up your game and take your personal and organizational worth to the next level Paying for Your Criminal Justice Master s Degree Of course one of the biggest questions for anyone who is interested in earning a master s degree centers on money How much does it cost Is there financial aid or scholarships available How does the size of the investment square with the ability to pay for my degree There are definitely financial aid opportunities and scholarship programs available and some departments and agencies offer tuition reimbursement and educational incentives Some universities may offer transfer credit for law enforcement specific training programs such as Command College FBI National Academy coursework FBI LEEDA and other regional or national trainings This can help reduce your required course load and corresponding program cost In addition the University of San Diego offers a tuition discount to members of law enforcement and public safety associations or unions as well as to active duty military veterans and military spouses Continued
Master s in Criminal Justice With so many options when it comes to selecting a criminal justice master s degree program it s imperative to do your due diligence to find the right option for you Beyond the specific career path you want to pursue the learning format online or in person and financial aid options will also impact the program you choose If you find a program that checks all the boxes start the process by requesting more information and speaking with someone in admissions Erik Fritsvold PhD Academic Director M S Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership Erik Fritsvold is the Academic Director for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership and an Associate Professor of Sociology Crime Justice Law Society Concentration CJLS His areas of expertise include Criminology Law Society the politics of law and crime management social theory and research methods
COVID 19 SURVEY The National Fraternal Order of Police is committed to listening to the voices of our members In recent months the COVID 19 pandemic has affected the working conditions of law enforcement officers across this country and the world Because we recognize this impact we ask that members share their experiences in the following survey of Police Officer Experiences During the COVID 19 Pandemic We hope that this brief survey will help us further understand your experiences during the pandemic and will enable us to find avenues for providing support to our members https www surveymonkey com r FOPCOVID 19
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Since 1857 Upper Iowa University has been preparing students to succeed in the classroom and in the world That rich history coupled with a student centered mission has created a springboard for UIU to become a recognized innovator in offering accredited quality programs through flexible multiple delivery systems including online and self paced study From our Fayette Campus to our U S Centers our International Centers to our Military Centers UIU has the people in place to help you succeed Through our student success stories you ll learn how others have benefited from a UIU education and you ll begin to understand the significant advantages a UIU education can bring to your life and ultimately to the lives of your family members Learn more about UIU through our fast facts If you have more specific questions our directory will help you find the people who have the answers Please follow this link for more information www uiu edu
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American Military University AMU was founded in 1991 to address the many issues associated to trying to go to school while on active duty This learning model has been perfected for public safety personnel as well as working adults from all walks of life who seek flexible affordable and quality educational opportunities to help further their careers As a matter of fact AMU has been the number one provider of off duty education to the US military for years Built specifically for working adults with demanding and uncertain schedules AMU serves a variety of students by offering a diverse set of programs from six academic schools Arts Humanities Business Education Health Sciences STEM Security Global Studies Top programs include homeland security intelligence studies cybersecurity and emergency and disaster management AMU has been a member of the National FOP University Consortium since 2007 and serves law enforcement officers and their family members across North America As an FOP member you and your family members rate certain benefits at AMU including reduced tuition and fee waivers saving you more than 100 per course No SAT ACT or GRE required Courses are 100 online and asynchronous No specific log in times students must meet weekly commitments Courses start the first Monday of every month Undergraduate textbooks provided at no cost No cost for transfer credit applied to your degree Career services office is available to alumni for life Please visit www amuonline com fop to find out more We are also cognizant that many FOP members may have family members or acquaintances who have had their college journey interrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic Students who are enrolled in a primarily campus based program may be eligible for the Momentum 2020 Scholarship offered by our sister school American Public University APU The Momentum 2020 scholarship affords these students the opportunity to take two courses at APU for half of the normal tuition cost To take advantage of this 50 tuition grant students must take courses starting in June July or August 2020 For more information about the Momentum 2020 scholarship please visit www APUMomentum com Not applicable to doctoral courses Undergraduate book grant is for students enrolled in courses earning academic credit www fop net
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FOP Benefits Now it s YOUR turn to be protected www fop net
Training Education Scholarship The Education Services Committee recognizes the need and benefit of training and educational opportunities for the members of the Fraternal Order of Police The committee also recognizes that a member a local lodge or a state lodge may not be in a financial position to obtain training or educational experiences The Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police will provide assistance in the form of scholarships in certain and limited cases to members local lodges or state lodges so that they may obtain training or educational experiences that have a real and direct benefit to FOP members local lodges or state lodges The total scholarship award amount shall not be more than 500 per individual local or state lodge per training event Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship The Education Services Committee recognizes the need and benefit of education for the members of the Fraternal Order of Police The committee also recognizes that a member may not be in a financial position to attend a college or a university and the member s agency employer may not have a tuition reimbursement program The Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police will provide assistance in the form of an education tuition reimbursement scholarship to eligible members so that they may be able to obtain an education degree The member must be a student with one of the NFOPU affiliated schools to receive this scholarship The scholarship awarded is for up to 500 for tuition reimbursement and can only be received once within the same year www fop net
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