State Trooper Diploma Mill Scandal Shakes Up Washington
Diploma mills are bad news. It doesn't do it justice to say they deprive your future employers of a truly qualified individual -- what's worse, they cheat the recipient out of their money and a quality education. Of course, there are consequences, as ten Thurston County state troopers found out when it came to light that their college degrees were somewhat less than legit.
An audit last year found nine troopers with degrees of "questionable nature" after an unrelated diploma mill scandal in Spokane.
The State Patrol learned of a 10th trooper with similarly questionable degree after an investigation began into whether the troopers committed fraud.
The troopers remain on paid administrative leave while the State Patrol investigates whether they violated department ethics and policies. They still could face discipline, including termination.
The punishment brought against the troopers is less severe than expected, and no formal charges were brought against them, on the basis that they were operating under the (erroneous) understanding that the schools they obtained diplomas for were accredited. "In our view," claimed the Chief Deputy Prosecutor handling the matter, "it would be difficult, if not impossible, to prove any criminal intent on the part of the troopers when they are essentially relying on the feedback they're getting from the (human resources) representative."
The troopers have also thus far taken actions to make amends -- they all asked to no longer be paid on the higher salary pay-grade granted to them by a higher education, and all repaid the extra salary they had gained while operating under the assumption of having a degree.
Obtaining a diploma from an unaccredited institution can seem like a small mistake, but it can have dire consequences. Check out our article on five ways to tell an accredited school from the imposters to keep from following in those state troopers' footsteps.
Search Schools
University of PhoenixAt University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
Programs
Location: Phoenix: , Phoenix AP |
|
Virginia CollegeSet your career in motion at Virginia College Online.
Programs
Location: Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242 |
|
DeVry UniversityFive colleges of study. One clear focus: Your career success.
Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both. Programs
Location: Calgary: , Calgary AB Chicago: , Chicago IL |
|
Keiser UniversityFor over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.
Programs
Location: Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 |
|
Ultimate Medical Academy OnlineBoost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
South University OnlineSouth University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition.
Programs
Location: Savannah: 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah GA 31406-4805 |
|
Everest University OnlineManage your career and your life while earning your degree online.
Programs
Location: Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA |
|
Allied Health InstituteAllied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Animal Behavior CollegeInterested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.
Programs
Location: Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324 |
|
Post UniversityEarn your degree online or on campus and accelerate your life.
Programs
Location: Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723 |
|
