People with guns and the power to use them on American citizens should be held to a higher standard. At the very least, police academy training should include college-level courses in subjects like constitutional law, history and ethics. They should also take longer to complete than 3-6 months.

Studies show that police officers with 4-year degrees resort much less often to the use of unnecessary force.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 83% of all U.S. police departments require a high school diploma, but only 8% require a 4-year college degree (source). Most local police forces only require 3-6 months of “police academy training” and a GED. Even beauticians have to go to cosmetology school for 8 months, and they don’t carry guns or have almost unquestionable authority over fellow citizens.

There is no question that fundamental change needs to happen in police forces all across this country.

The federal government, through various programs, provides funding and equipment to police departments. This would allow lawmakers to exert pressure on state and local police departments without passing new laws in every state, or expanding federal power.

Sign this petition to let our lawmakers know that you want the people policing you to receive an education that is about more than the tactical use of force.