NIJ's Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Programs

The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program strengthens the research capabilities of law enforcement professionals and agencies. Reflecting NIJ’s commitment to improving police policy and practice through scientific evidence, the LEADS Scholars Program develops and empowers the next generation of American law enforcement leaders to conduct and apply research. 

LEADS Scholars receive training and technical support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Policing Institute (NPI) to conduct high-quality research and use research findings to shape agency policy and practice. The program aims to bridge the gap between research and field experience, enhancing the quality of research while ensuring its findings are practical, actionable, and impactful in advancing the law enforcement profession.

NIJ established the program in 2014 in partnership with the IACP to provide three-year professional development scholarships for research-minded law enforcement officers.  

Learn more about the LEADS Law Enforcement Officers.

Since 2019, the program has expanded to offer scholarships for two other types of Scholars — civilians and early-career academics — both working in or with law enforcement agencies.

The inclusion of civilians as LEADS Scholars has further fostered meaningful collaboration between sworn officers and the civilian professions they work with. These collaborations support the use of data-driven strategies and locally tailored research to advance their agencies’ missions.

Learn more about the LEADS Civilians.

A key strength of the LEADS program is the opportunity for collaboration between researchers and police personnel. The inclusion of academics as LEADS Scholars has strengthened these connections, fostering deeper partnerships that bridge research and real-world policing.

Learn more about the LEADS Academics.

Today, the NIJ LEADS Scholars network has expanded to well over 130 members, including sworn law enforcement officers, civilians, and academics who serve as champions and leaders of evidence-based policing. Both current and alumni Scholars form a highly engaged community dedicated to leveraging evidence and data to shape and enhance law enforcement policy and practice in America.