Detective Ben Martin is at his graduation with his father, former Chester County Detective Frank Martin.
WEST CHESTER — Chester County Detective Ben Martin now will be referred to by his colleagues in law enforcement as “Doctor Martin.” Detective Martin recently received his Ph.D. in Leadership from Alvernia University.
Det. Martin was joined at his graduation by his father, former Chester County Detective Frank Martin. Frank Martin was a Chester County Detective for more than 30 years. Ben Martin joined the Chester County Detectives two years ago.
“Ben Martin putting in the time and effort to get his doctorate is quite an achievement,” Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said. “He juggled his family obligations, work duties, and academics for years to reach this goal. This is another example of how professional and well-rounded law enforcement in Chester County has become.”
Martin for his part, was thankful to all helped him in seeking this advanced degree.
“I want to thank my wife, family, and colleagues for supporting me through this process,” Martin said. “Just like when we work a murder investigation, achieving a Ph.D. takes complete teamwork. It helps to be surrounded by great people at home and at work.”
Det. Martin’s doctoral dissertation is titled “A Typology of Police Departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” The dissertation analyzed how the different types of political subdivisions in Pennsylvania — townships, boroughs, and cities — affect the functioning and organization of police departments. The dissertation reveals that the political structure surrounding a police department has a complex and distinct impact on local law enforcement. Det. Martin opened his dissertation by dedicating the work to the men and women of Chester County’ s law enforcement community.
“Ben’s dissertation is a useful primer on the intersection between politics and the police in Pennsylvania,” Hogan said. “It should be required reading for all Pennsylvania politicians.”
Other members of the Chester County Detectives have master’s degrees, such as Lt. Mike McGinnis and Sgt. Tom Goggin. However, Ben Martin is the first member of the Chester County Detectives ever to receive a doctoral degree.
