Watch our teaser video for a quick run-down of ATF's LELA program!
ATF’s Law Enforcement Leaders of America (LELA) program brings together an experienced, knowledgeable panel of executive criminal justice professionals to introduce the next generation of public safety leaders to the field. The program has been presented to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other college campuses across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, and Virginia offering students and faculty the opportunity to engage with panelists on how to succeed in law enforcement and support their communities.
Topics range from navigating the hiring process, tools and tips for applying for jobs, roles and responsibilities in various agencies, internship opportunities, and personal and professional habits. Most important – and a key component of the LELA program – is the value of diversity within the field, including the challenges and successes panel members have experienced throughout their careers. Through candid and personal testimonies, panel members representing various levels of local, state and federal law enforcement provide engaging accounts of their careers and their contributions to building a more diverse landscape.
LELA presentations are open to all students and have been well received by criminal justice majors, student athletes, social sciences and humanities majors, law students and others. Additionally, the program has encouraged attendees looking to make a difference in their communities through non-sworn (without a badge) positions to consider roles in public safety. Examples of non-sworn careers include investigative lab technicians (STEM), industry operations investigators, intelligence research specialists, communications specialists, mental health counselors, attorneys and more.
LELA Panels
LELA panels are coordinated through ATF and offered at no charge to participating campuses. ATF arranges the panelists, provides informational pamphlets for distribution and prepares a flyer to help schools promote the event to students and the community. Immediately following panel discussions, students are invited to a networking session where they meet one-on-one with panel members, exchange contact information and learn more about the responsibilities and opportunities within each agency.
Past panelists have included ATF executives, U.S. attorneys, U.S. marshals, police chiefs, sheriffs, chief federal probation officers, federal public defenders, and many other dynamic professionals.
LELA has previously collaborated with Livingstone College, Johnson C. Smith University, Converse University, Columbia College, Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine’s University, Southern University New Orleans, Fayetteville State University, Florida Memorial University, Albany State University, UNC-Charlotte, the University of South Carolina (in collaboration with Benedict College, Allen University, and Columbia College), and Barton College.
Contact
Questions and inquiries about the LELA program may be sent to ATF.LELA@ATF.gov.
