EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE

What really makes a good officer?

Re: Police Academy: Do officers need more schooling? Feb. 21. Certainly post-secondary education will provide global knowledge of issues and legal matters relevant to policing, but it may not be essential to become a good cop.

What is lacking and absolutely essential is hiring people with good character, solid values and a desire to serve the community. The police force has to understand Canadian values and work with the diverse nature of our citizens, enforcing laws while respecting various cultures, age and gender groups and social status of people they serve.

Therefore, police must be educated in cultural diversity, age and gender issues, ethical standards of honesty and transparency and be able to communicate in multiple languages. This should be a part of the curriculum or training prior to wearing the badge of honour. Nona Nalley, Orléans