Why we are losing the quest to be tops in education.

Why we are losing the quest to be tops in education.

 I retired from a career but not from life. In looking for a great retirement job, I sent

my resume to a local college for a program specialist position within the

criminal justice program.  I completed the application listing my

background, training, experience, and additional relevant information. The best way to explain is to copy what they

wrote and my response.  In the court of

public opinion, am I wrong? I do

understand the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law.

Their question.

Thank you for your interest in

working for Miami Dade College. To be

considered further, could you clarify what your highest degree earned is

on your application? This position requires an Associate’s degree. The deadline

to update this information on your application will be Wednesday, May 11th, by

end of business day to be further considered.

Thank you again for your

interest.

Sincerely,

My response

Regarding the position of Program Specialist, I would like

to state some background and training highlights. I retired from law

enforcement after a 34-year career. The last 23 years were with the

Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This agency is the

largest fully accredited sheriff’s office in the United States. The

agency employs approximately 6,000. I have been a supervisor since

1991. 

Before being promoted, I was

a field training officer, a street crimes detective, undercover narcotics

detective in the Organized Crime Division, a property crimes detective assigned

to the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport, and was the

instructor coordinator for the Broward Police Academy responsible for nine (9)

simultaneous academies (Unit of the Year). After I became a supervisor I

was the first supervisor at the Port Everglades District (the second largest

the passenger cruise port in the world), supervisor of the Recruitment Division,

supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Unit in the largest patrol district

(City of Pompano Beach), and senior patrol supervisor road patrol. Along

the way I have attended over 135 law enforcement related schools, became a

Florida Department of Law Enforcement certified instructor (Firearms, Defensive

Tactics, First Responder, Driving, Ethics, and Human Diversity). FDLE

certified me as a Patrol Expert, and I was detached to assist with the writing

of the new law enforcement curriculum for all thirty-nine (39) police academies

in the State of Florida. I have taught all sections of the law

enforcement curriculum and have taught within and outside of the agency for

In-Service Training and Career Enhancement courses. I have written and taught college

level courses. In addition, I was a new supervisor trainer. 

Before retiring, I was the

Assistant Director for the Florida Chapter of the International Association of

Ethics Trainers. I am a member of the International Law Enforcement

Educators and Trainers Association, a member of the American Society for

Industrial Security (working on my Certified Protection Professional

certification), and an instructor for the National Law Enforcement Training

Center. On two occasions, I traveled to Japan to train with the Tokyo

Metropolitan Riot Police and bring that training back to the United States.

After I retired, I became a

court-certified expert witness on Use of Force and had a record of being victorious

in all cases (100%). Both the Policemen Benevolent Association and the

Fraternal Order of Police unions has used my services.  I am the

author of

Past the Uniform

and soon-to-be-released book on officer

survival. I also am a columnist for two law enforcement web site.

Outside of law enforcement, I

have been involved in martial arts since 1958 and chief instructor for a

multi-location school. One of my responsibilities was New Jersey State

Representative for the United State Karate Association.

What I do not have is an

Associates Degree. Having listed my qualifications as a proven instructor

and having real-life experience, would you waive the requirement of a two-year

degree. With all my classes, I am sure that I have more than surpassed

your classroom requirement. 

The final answer.

Their answer was no. You do not have an Associate’s degree.

So the bottom line is that nothing

matters except did I sit in a classroom for two years. So now I am back seeking employment that

would allow my teaching the next generation of urban warriors. Does anyone know of any positions available?