Police brutality is a huge problem in America, especially during these times. One of the primary reasons for this is lack of proper education and training. For example, the requirements to become a police officer in Illinois are inadequate; in order for officers to perform their job as intended of protecting citizens, these basic requirements need to be reformed immediately. As of now, the requirements are:

• Be a US citizen either by birth or naturalization
• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of hire
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete an approved basic
  training course within six months of initial hire
• Not have any felony convictions nor convictions of disqualifying misdemeanors
• 500 hours of training

These requirements are not sufficient and allow many unfit individuals to become part of the police force and enforce laws. The requirements to be a police officer in Illinois, should be altered as such (at a minimum): 

• Bachelor’s degree (rather than only a required high school diploma or GED)
• 2000 hours of training, with an increased amount of racial bias and ethics training along with teaching strategies to prevent the usage of excessive force (as opposed to the current requirement of 500 hours in Illinois)
• Be a US citizen either by birth or naturalization
• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of hire
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Complete an approved basic training course within six months of initial
• Not have any felony convictions nor convictions of disqualifying misdemeanors

More education and training will help police officers to make the appropriate decisions in order to benefit citizens. This will also help prevent killings of innocent citizens and reduce racial bias. America needs change, and we need it NOW.