Politics & Government
An Educated Police Force
Nearly all of the Milford police have college degrees, and many have advanced degrees, with bonuses for the education covered by the town. In Boston, officers are suing to get the education benefit covered.
The value of a college-educated police force is creating controversy in Boston, where police have filed suit to force the city to pay the full amount of an education bonus promised under the Police Career Incentive Program. This program, also known as the Quinn Bill, entitles officers to a bonus of up to 25 percent of their salary for completing degrees in criminal justice or law.
The state — which had originally reimbursed half of the bonus amount — eliminated the program in 2009, leaving cities and towns to pay the full amount or cut the officers’ bonuses in half. In Milford, the town stepped up and is paying the full amount for officers.
Nearly the entire town police force has a college degree, and
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According to Police Chief Thomas O’Loughlin, Milford sees benefits from its educated In an interview, he stated that an educated force performs better, citing the officers’ “broader base of understanding,” and increased professionalism.
