Law Enforcement Officers Pursuing Higher Education
“I dropped out of college with three classes to go a long time ago. I always meant to go back and finish, but life happened. And I wasn’t sure how I could fit going back to school with my career and my family life.”
That was Captain Kate Monahan, a 20-year veteran currently assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s Real Time Crime Center. She articulated a sentiment that many working law-enforcement professionals feel when considering a degree program: the challenge of balancing coursework with outstanding job duties. This kind of task can feel daunting, if not outright impossible.
However, thanks to a unique partnership between the MPD and the University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, a group of law enforcement officers is proving that it's never too late to pursue higher education.
Designed specifically for working adults, this Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies online degree program enabled Captain Monahan and officers Patrick Donlon and Nigel D'Abreu to achieve academically while still performing strongly in their demanding law enforcement careers. Viewed together, their experiences highlight how the program's flexibility can help activate long-deferred educational goals.
Building Connections
For Patrick Donlon, a harbor patrol officer with seven years at the MPD, the program provided unexpected benefits. "It's very nice to get out and meet other officers, detectives, captains: people I wouldn't have interacted with otherwise," he shared. As Officer Donlon has learned more about his classmates’ diverse backgrounds, he has gained new perspectives and fostered valuable interpersonal connections within MPD.
To that end, Captain Monahan also appreciated the camaraderie of her peers. She noted, "I like that my classmates are all fellow MPD members. I don't feel alone when it comes to figuring out how to balance school and work - we are all in it together and experiencing the same thing."
Officer D'Abreu, who served MPD for 17 years and currently works as a Property Clerk in the Second District, described the program as "one of the most memorable experiences of my life and career." He, too, valued the professional networking environment where officers can, "respectfully exchange ideas for the benefit of the entire class, and hopefully, eventually, the communities we serve."
Balancing Commitments
Monahan, Donlon, and D'Abreu acknowledged the challenges of juggling work and family with their educational journeys. A husband and father of five who also serves as a Youth Pastor, Officer D'Abreu credited his success in this regard to his supportive wife. He also praised his classmates for their help along the way. "They always pitch in to ensure we all have what's needed," he reflected, whether that’s helping to “prepare for the next class or share notes if some of us had to respond to emergency situations at work.”
For her part, Captain Monahan found a unique solution to balancing her many responsibilities: she has made schoolwork a family activity. As she explained, "My son loves to 'help' me with my notes while he does his own homework.” This shared experience did more than keep Captain Monahan on top of her coursework; it also relayed a vital life lesson so that her “kids see that school is important and takes work and dedication."
Officer Donlon’s specialized role as a diver on the scuba and search recovery team offers him some scheduling flexibility, but he was quick to note that because change and emergent situations are a hallmark of the law enforcement career, his professors have been very understanding and accommodating.
Developing Future Aspirations
Ultimately, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary program is unique in encouraging graduates to plan beyond the classroom. Officer D'Abreu appreciated how immediately applicable his coursework is. He said, "The concepts taught in the courses so far have been easy to put into practice." Furthermore, whereas he used to sell textbooks as soon as classes ended, he did not get rid of these materials. “I now hold onto them,” he revealed, “and constantly refer to them.”
For Captain Monahan, the program pushed her intellectually. She said, “It’s been nice to stretch parts of my brain that haven’t been used in a long time.” She already saw a difference in her administrative skills. "My position is mostly administrative,” she reported, “so I do a lot of writing. Being in this program has helped tremendously."
Throughout the program, Officer Donlon developed a sharp vision of his future goals. After completing his bachelor’s degree at UVA, he plans to return to UVA for a master's degree in systems engineering.
As they worked their way through classes, these officers saw how their journey affected not only themselves, but others around them. As Officer D'Abreu noted, "This has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life and career. This forum has provided an opportunity where we can respectfully exchange ideas for the benefit (sometimes entertainment) of the entire class, and hopefully, eventually, the communities we serve."
If you are interested in completing your bachelor’s degree with a public safety concentration, please learn more online: https://www.scps.virginia.edu/public-safety-bis