Over the last few years, law enforcement has been widely criticized, discounted and even hated by people who don’t appreciate that much of the negativity toward police is driven
by politics. So it’s satisfying to learn that a university like Hillsdale College has agreed to teach the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to law enforcement agencies across the country—at no charge. A program to certify law enforcement officers to conduct the course was held in January 2023:
Hillsdale College hosted a Law Enforcement Outreach Conference on Jan. 27 at the college’s Dow Hotel and Conference Center. Law enforcement officers from across the country received training to become certified in teaching the Hillsdale College Law Enforcement Constitution Course. The course, launched in June 2022, provides law enforcement officers with deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Developed by Hillsdale College faculty and staff, it includes a four-hour block of instruction that can be included in police academy training schedules and in-service training days.
Since officers have been told that their mission is, in part, to support and defend the Constitution, and because they have often not received an education on these topics in school prior to joining an agency, the training was especially significant. The Hillsdale designers of the program, Professors Kevin Slack and Patrick Whalen, were determined to give instructors and students everything they would need to grasp the significance of this course :
The course includes an instructor’s guide with a course outline complete with learning objectives, readings, and questions to facilitate discussion. The student guide contains some of the most important ideas and texts in addition to space for the officer to take notes. A slide deck is also available to assist instructors in their classroom delivery, and the course’s website will include an online library of primary texts.
At a time when law enforcement feels beleaguered by the social criticism of its role; with officers leaving in droves through retirement or disillusionment; with cities and agencies struggling to fill the ranks of their greatly understaffed departments, these agencies have been working to find ways to encourage potential law enforcement officers to join them. An education that emphasizes the importance of the role they play in protecting not only their cities and counties but also our country, could be a significant incentive.
A noteworthy comment was offered regarding the relevance of this training:
‘Over the years many of us have lamented the lack of constitutional awareness and understanding present in policing,’ said Jim Waddell, a participant and retired special agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. ‘The Law Enforcement Constitution Course teaching staff did an outstanding job explaining the history while simultaneously stressing the current relevance of the Constitution and answering questions posed by the attendees. I recommend this course to law enforcement personnel at every level. Its precepts will greatly benefit the individual officer, department, community, and nation.’
It's important to point out that a free on-line course on the Constitution has been available to the public for many years at Hillsdale, which provides a great opportunity for many, since most curriculi on the Constitution have been offered only in private or religious schools. But Hillsdale offers the entire public, particularly the men and women who protect us, a chance to learn why their roles are so relevant.
For an in-depth explanation of the history and implementation of this course, you can go here.
Convention of States is dedicated to enlisting everyone—law enforcement, the general public and even our children—in supporting an endeavor that limits the overreach of the federal government in our daily lives. These Constitution programs are all dedicated to having a more informed public that understands how important local governance and a safe society are to our wellbeing and the future. Also take advantage of the COSA fine training videos and essays, particularly on Article V. Consider signing the petition below to assist our movement in holding an Article V Convention and in furthering our love and appreciation of the Constitution and this country.
