IntroductionLaw enforcement, like much of the economy and society, has had to adapt to the rapidly changing atmosphere of technological advances. To counteract these advances, education has served on the front lines of combating the technological sophistication that is rapidly sweeping the workforce. The need and desire to stay competitive with the technology we have is a need that can be met with more education. Just like technology, education has benefits in other parts of the equation for staying competitive. Higher level education provides a professionalism that accompanies the demands placed on students during their school years of study. The activities required by many professors in higher education provide the skills needed to hone the individual for his or her place in society. Is it so difficult today to conceive that the police should also do the same? Over the past three decades the demands facing law enforcement have increased dramatically as changing times and problems spurred by technology have come to light. Higher education plays an important role in the professionalization and advancement of policing in the modern context of what is needed and expected of policing. Basic Police Training Academy Training Typically, all officers must complete a training regime at a police academy before entering the patrol field. While the length of training varies by institution and police force, training is still required of all officers. For example, “Virginia State Troopers must undergo training lasting approximately 12 months to a year” (Police, 2009). This training is for officers who work on Virginia's public highways and manage the state situation... middle of the paper... that of the general educated officer who will only have his/her academic training. Works Cited Academy, S. V. (2008). Course program. Bristol, Virginia, USA. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://svcjta.com/front/showcontent.aspx?fileid=27Bostrom, M.D. (2005). The influence of higher education on the work habits of police officers. The Chief of Police, 72 (10).Police, VS (2009). Training. Richmond, Virginia, USA. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_Trooper_Recruitment_Training.shtmRebecca L. Paynich, P. (2004, February). The impact of a college-educated police force: A review of the literature. United States of America. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from http://www.masschiefs.org/documents/The%20Impact%20of%20Higher%20Education%20in%20Law%20Enforcement%20Feb%202009%20and%20Summary.pdf