A new proposal by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, which was introduced earlier this week would require those hoping to become police officers in California to earn a bachelor’s degree or be 25 prior to their training.
Supporters of the bill say that more mature and more educated officers are likely to exhibit greater self control and less likely to use deadly force.
"This data-driven bill relies on years of study and new understandings of brain development to ensure that only those officers capable of high level decision-making and judgment in tense situations are entrusted with working in our communities and correctional facilities" said Jones Sawyer, who serves as the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee chair, in a statement.
The current California law allows people to become officers at age 18 and does not require a college degree.
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