New scholars selected!
The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program is designed to increase the research capabilities of law enforcement professionals and agencies. In recent years, NIJ has focused on empowering law enforcement to integrate research into policies and practices. The LEADS Scholars Program advances evidence-based policing by supporting the development of research-minded law enforcement professionals.
Established in 2014 through a partnership between NIJ and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), NIJ's LEADS Scholars Program focused on developing the research capacity of mid-career law enforcement officers who were committed to advancing and integrating science into law enforcement policies and practice. Research is a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies. This program continues to identify and nurture the next generation of law enforcement leadership through encouraging the use of evidence-based research to advance criminal justice. Learn more about the LEADS Law Enforcement Officers.
In 2019, NIJ piloted the addition of LEADS Academics to the Scholars program, with the goal of advancing practitioner-led research and promoting sustainable researcher/practitioner partnerships. One of the most important aspects of the LEADS program is the connection between researchers and practitioners. The addition of LEADS Academics to the program has strengthen those connections. Learn more about the LEADS Academics.
In 2019 NIJ also piloted the addition of LEADS Civilians to the Scholars program. The Civilians program offers a unique opportunity for law enforcement civilians to partner with current LEADS Scholars and alumni, in an effort to use data-driven strategies and locally-tailored research to advance their agency’s mission. Learn more about the LEADS Civilians .
Today there are well over 100 LEADS Scholars in the network, which includes sworn law enforcement officers, civilians, and academics.