Law Enforcement Action Partnership

Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) is a nonprofit organization of criminal justice professionals who advocate for criminal justice and drug policy reforms. The organization was founded in 2002 under the name Law Enforcement Against Prohibition and rebranded to its current name in 2017 to reflect a broader mission.

History

LEAP was established by five police officers who were concerned about the negative impacts of the War on Drugs. The founders believed that the criminalization of drug use was ineffective and counterproductive, leading to increased crime and violence. Over time, the organization expanded its focus to include a wide range of criminal justice issues, including police accountability, mass incarceration, and community policing.

Mission

The mission of LEAP is to unite and mobilize the voice of law enforcement in support of drug policy and criminal justice reforms that will make communities safer and more just. The organization aims to educate the public, media, and policymakers about the harms of current policies and to promote alternatives that are grounded in evidence and respect for human rights.

Activities

LEAP engages in a variety of activities to advance its mission, including:

• **Public Speaking**: LEAP speakers, who are current and former law enforcement professionals, give presentations and participate in panel discussions to share their perspectives on criminal justice reform.
• **Advocacy**: The organization works with lawmakers and other stakeholders to promote policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• **Media Outreach**: LEAP members frequently contribute to media outlets, providing expert commentary on issues related to criminal justice and drug policy.
• **Education**: LEAP provides educational resources and training for law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and the general public.

Key Issues

LEAP focuses on several key issues within the realm of criminal justice reform:

• **Drug Policy Reform**: Advocating for the decriminalization and regulation of drugs to reduce crime and improve public health.
• **Police Accountability**: Promoting transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies to build trust with communities.
• **Mass Incarceration**: Addressing the causes and consequences of mass incarceration and advocating for alternatives to imprisonment.
• **Community Policing**: Encouraging policing strategies that prioritize building relationships with community members and addressing the root causes of crime.

Membership

LEAP's membership includes a diverse group of criminal justice professionals, such as police officers, judges, prosecutors, corrections officers, and others who have firsthand experience with the criminal justice system. Members share a commitment to reforming policies that they believe are ineffective and harmful.

See Also

• War on Drugs
• Criminal justice reform
• Police accountability
• Mass incarceration
• Community policing