How is it possible to lack the initiative to do a 10 second search?
https://search.brave.com/search?q=polICE+ACADEMY+discriminate+against+higher+iq+test&source=desktop
Being insulted by facts, reported on over a course of decades is not a good look. Not wanting smart people for the force is not a good look. Can we stay on topic or do we need sources for the sentences I just wrote? Thanks
You might consider that there are approx 18,000 state/local LE agencies at present in the US. While the majority of them (less than 65%, last time I heard) employ 10 or fewer sworn, full-time employees, there are still a LOT of agencies who employ more sworn staff. Making broad sweeping statements about the 'IQ' and intelligence of the men and women serving as LE in our country, based upon isolated instances where hiring practices may have been questionable, isn't exactly holding forth a balanced perspective.
I remember in the late 80's, after I'd been working for several years, I learned of some study comparing tested IQ's of various jobs. Interestingly enough, that study indicated that the 'average' IQ of law enforcement and attorneys were equivalent. (The way IQ's were measured, the average for both careers was 115 at that time.) Maybe so. That was when it was more common than not for LE applicants to only be required to have a HS diploma (or GED), while attorneys had to attend their undergrad college, and then graduate 3 years of Law School (and pass the state Bar, but that's another issue).
Nobody in their right mind wants to hire low/lower intelligence men and women to work in LE. If not for the ability to be better able to be required to use good judgment and make difficult decisions under the worst of conditions, then at least to be able to write cogent reports, and be able to make clear and easily understood statements when testifying. You really
can't be a working cop nowadays if you can't write well enough for it to be easily understood by the average person.
Also, LE needs to hire people capable of being promoted up the ranks.(Writing this, I chuckle to myself thinking back to reading some occasional memos that came down, and wondering how that person managed to write reports that weren't kicked back whenever it was that they'd actually worked something other than a desk.
Hey, everyone gets their fair share of those at one time or another.
)
Bottom line? I would disagree with a blanket opinion that LE agencies - as a whole - are
looking for candidates with lesser IQ's and intelligence.