Texas back in the late 70s, early 80s began pushing work incentives thru the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for college credits, and college degrees. Don't get me wrong I'm a college guy BUT! I once had a Sgt. that because he had an Associates Degree, he bypassed the Texas Police Academies, challenged the test, and got his Texas Law Enforcement License, and because of this same Associates Degree was promoted to Sgt. with less that 2 years experience. Did I also mention that his Associates Degree was in MUSIC from a Baptist Seminary? He was shortly fired while in a hospital bed, after being used for batting practice by a local store manager, for having carnal knowledge of said store owners wife.
By the time I actually left, in my twenty years, I had watched pressed uniforms being replaced by fatigues, and high and tight hair cuts, with a Policy Manual that was growing by leaps and bounds.
ALSO! The government "habitually" gives huge grants to even small depts. for equipment, HOWEVER. There are always STRINGS attached, such as certain laws have to be more vigorously enforced. My last chief was retired military (US) but was from Canada. He, thru a grant got me TWO government 4X4 Blazers for my K-9 units that I DID NOT WANT OR NEED. They came with strings but, I refused the vehicles, and kept on doin what I had been doin.
I used to tell my new officers: You have to enforce the law, that is your duty, but you also have to live with these folks, so do so with common sense, and good judgement.
