More police agencies, from big-city departments to federal agencies, are lowering education standards for new recruits — a sign of how much the profession is changing as it struggles to recruit and retain officers.

This year, at least two major city agencies — the New York Police Department and the Dallas Police Department — have cut some education requirements for new recruits.

In February, the NYPD reduced its college credit requirement for police academy entry from 60 credits to 24. Following a new policy approval in June, the Dallas Police Department began allowing applicants with only a high school diploma or GED to qualify if they also have three consecutive years of full-time work experience.

Police agencies nationwide are loosening education requirements in an effort to address

See Full Page