The Fitchburg State University 4 + 1 Police Program: Examining Perceptions of an Academic-Academy Integrated Training Program

Policing in the U.S. is facing a staffing crisis fueled by a diminishing pool of qualified candidates and police legitimacy. One solution may be integrated academy-academic partnerships to combine undergraduate criminal justice education with police academy training. Few academic institutions offer academy training integrated with baccalaureate education. Examining the Fitchburg State University Police Program, this case study explores the benefits and challenges to an academic-academy model. We conducted nine focus groups with university faculty and staff and Program students to examine perceptions of and experiences with the Program. Through thematic analysis, we identified four areas where faculty and students reported the Program met or did not meet their expectations: (1) academic quality of Program and students, (2) curriculum content, (3) program structure and functionality, and (4) rule enforcement and disciplinary issues. Based on these findings, we provide four recommendations to universities considering an integrated academic-academy program.