Recognized for Excellence in Public Safety Research

BJA Director Karhlton Moore welcomes you to the Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

The Knowledge Lab is a first-of-its kind resource hub to identify and disseminate evidence-based, innovative policing practices, training, and technical assistance.

With Constitutional policing as our foundation, the Lab is striving to bring evidence, excellence, and equity to Law Enforcement agencies across the country.

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What the Field is Thinking

Who We Are

Building Safer Communities through a Commitment to Evidence, Equity, and Excellence

The Knowledge Lab collects and makes available the many ideas and innovations that could help agencies seeking to improve their ability to protect and serve their communities in adherence to the requirements and ideals of the Constitution.

Join us in pursuing evidence, equity, and excellence in policing.

police officers in a classroom

News and Updates Latest Announcements

A new 3-hour eLearning course, "Vehicular Pursuit Management: Balancing Risks and Enhancing Safety," developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been made available on the Office on Community Oriented Policing Services' (COPS) Training Portal. This free resource is designed for law enforcement executives, decision-makers, and policymakers and addresses the challenges of managing vehicular pursuits effectively. The course emphasizes decision-making strategies, risk assessment, and public safety, providing tools to minimize dangers to officers and communities. Through practical insights and expert guidance, this training supports agencies in refining their pursuit policies and practices. Accessible online, it reflects the commitment to enhancing safety and accountability in law enforcement operations.

Learn more about the training

In the summer of 2024, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conducted a survey of its member agencies to better understand the challenges police agencies are facing regarding recruitment and retention. The IACP received responses from 1,158 U.S. agencies across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The results presented in this report illustrate the current state of recruitment and retention while also providing success stories from several agencies and suggestions for customized solutions.

Access the survey results 

The National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab and the National Policing Institute have released "Considerations for Specialized Units: Checklists for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability." The checklists have been developed to assist law enforcement agencies in the process of considering and forming a specialized unit and are based on the COPS Office's report, "Considerations for Specialized Units, A Guide for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability."

Download the Checklist

Resource Index

The Lab’s Resource Index will be a vital link for law enforcement leaders to use as they develop and implement crime reduction strategies that are evidence-informed and built upon a foundation of partnership with their communities.

Articles Stay Informed With Knowledge Lab

Report | 2024

Considerations for Specialized Units: Checklists for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Ensure Appropriateness, Effectiveness, and Accountability

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Public Transparency
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Report | 2024

Monitoring Law Enforcement Consent Decrees: An Introduction and Starter Toolkit

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Use of Force

Report | 2024

The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Policing 2024 Survey Results

  • Recruitment and Retention

Report | 2015

Constitutional Policing as a Cornerstone of Community Policing

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Stops, Searches, and Arrests
  • Use of Force
  • Public Transparency

Empowering Law Enforcement Excellence

A Beacon of Guidance at the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

Explore targeted areas such as evidence-based de-escalation, responses to mental illness, lawful procedures, and fostering just, fair, and impartial police practices. Elevate your agency's performance and legitimacy with our guidance and support.