52:17B-71.2. Legislative findings
The Legislature finds and declares that the amount and quality of a policeman's education often determines the value of his contribution to the community, and the degree of proficiency with which he performs his duties. An educated policeman is a better public employee since his viewpoint, understanding and awareness have been broadened beyond the narrow confines of police "work." However, because of the present level of police salaries the recruiting of applicants with college degrees or some higher education is very difficult. Therefore, if the goal of a better educated police personnel is to be realized, some incentive must be provided to encourage present members of police departments to achieve the advantages of higher education. The Legislature seeks to provide this incentive by authorizing the Police Training Commission to provide scholarships for those policemen who wish to pursue the advantages of higher education and by providing payment by the State for the costs of such scholarships.
L.1968, c. 265, s. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1968.