News

The National Blue Alert Network supports the use and integration of Blue Alert plans throughout the United States in order to rapidly disseminate information to law enforcement agencies, the media and the public to aid in the apprehension of violent criminals who have killed or seriously injured an officer in the line of duty. Blue Alerts can also be issued when a suspect poses an imminent and credible threat to law enforcement, or when an officer is missing in the line…

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, released Crime Known to Law Enforcement, 2024 and The Nation’s Two Crime Measures, 2015–2024 recently. Crime Known to Law Enforcement, 2024 presents national and subnational estimates of crime offenses and victimizations for violent and property crime. Findings in this report, the second in an annual series, are based on BJS’s and the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Estimation Program. NIBRS collects detailed information on crime…

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, released Hiring and Retention of State and Local Law Enforcement Officers, 2020 – Statistical Tables recently. This report presents statistics on the hires and separations of full-time sworn personnel by general-purpose law enforcement agencies and the incentives offered to retain them.  Findings in the report are based on BJS’s 2020 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey. Conducted periodically since 1987, the LEMAS survey collects…

WalletHub has released its 2026 report on the Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer, highlighting where a law enforcement career may offer the strongest combination of compensation, safety, training, and overall working conditions. WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 key indicators of police friendliness. Metrics included median income for law enforcement officers, police deaths per 1,000 officers, state and local police spending, training requirements, and other factors tied to officer safety…

The drug landscape has changed. Drug use is more dangerous than ever before with the advent of fentanyl and the deceptive tactics used by drug organizations to drive dependency which can eventually lead to addiction. Several states are warning of pink cocaine – a powdered mixture of substances which is dyed pink; may have a sweet smell; and typically produces mind-altering, hallucinogenic effects. DEA laboratory testing has identified pink powders containing ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and xylazine. Effects of…

Children, teens and young adults often enter the justice system because their health, education and safety needs aren’t met. As a result, justice systems are dealing with challenges they were never designed to address. The CSG Justice Center’s new research-based guide can help states prevent violence, expand opportunities and keep youth out of the justice system. The Youth Safety Playbook for States includes: a community-based service continuum; strategies for financing, infrastructure, policy, service, and workforce; and a checklist for implementing each strategy. The playbook…

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, released Health and Wellness Resources Available to Law Enforcement, 2022 recently. This report details specific types of formal wellness programs offered to Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) sworn law enforcement personnel and practices adopted by general-purpose law enforcement agencies (municipal, county and regional police departments; most sheriffs’ offices; and primary state and highway patrol agencies). The findings are from BJS’s 2022 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS)…

This publication illustrates elements of the police staffing challenge and explores how they form a broader ecosystem which agencies should consider when assessing staffing issues, contemplating goals and strategies, and implementing solutions. It presents a six-step approach for police workforce planning and managing workload demand and addresses planning for three common staffing scenarios. To download a copy of this publication, visit https://tinyurl.com/mpmpmwyt

Setina Manufacturing Co., Inc. recently announced the launch of its new law enforcement vehicle console, engineered to deliver unmatched comfort, adaptability and mission-ready performance for today’s patrol vehicles. Designed with direct input from the field, this next-generation console blends ergonomic innovation with rugged durability to support officers through long shifts and demanding operations. At the core of the new console is a focus on officer comfort and efficiency. An integrated swivel armrest provides all-day support while maintaining quick, intuitive access…

The Collaborative Reform Initiative: Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) Spotlight series is committed to advancing knowledge through sharing tools, resources and information developed for the law enforcement field as a result of customized training and technical assistance delivered by CRI-TAC. This publication provides guidance to the law enforcement field on the purpose, structure and goals of law enforcement wellness checks and the different types of wellness checks agencies can establish. A copy of this publication can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/36mwh8m8