[431] ‘MTSU On the Record’ looks at law enforcement licensing

MURFREESBORO — The standards that police officers must meet before being hired is the topic on the next edition of the “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Tom Jurkanin, an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice Administration, will air from 5:30-6 p.m. Monday, April 27, and from 8-8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 3, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org).

Jurkanin’s research, which was published in the February 2014 edition of Police Chief Magazine, shows that there is some inconsistency among states in satisfying the model of professional licensure provided by Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) boards.

A review of the 36 POST panels showed that 53 percent require the completion of a state licensing exam, while 47 percent do not require that test to be administered.

In addition, Jurkanin asserts, the lack of a mandated minimum education requirement is “the most glaring deficiency” in police licensing.

“One of the components of licensing is that there should be some educational standard,” said Jurkanin. “So, if you look at teachers, you look at accountants, you look at (the) medical field, they have a specified educational component that you must achieve before you would ever be accepted into the profession.”

To listen to previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://www.mtsunews.com/ontherecord/.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800