The Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS) program was first conceptualized to fill a void in the FBI executive training programs for Municipal, State, and Federal leaders of law enforcement agencies having between 50 and 500 personnel. In 1981, a two-week training program at the FBI Academy at Quantico commenced to meet this need and LEEDS was established. However, the request for executive level training continually exceeded scheduling availability at Quantico, which now offers three sessions annually.
In 1993, the FBI expanded the LEEDS program in Quantico to include law enforcement agencies with 75 or fewer officers and established thirteen LEEDS “Regional Command Colleges”. Since that time, regional LEEDS classes have become so popular that the program expanded and now encompasses twenty-one regional LEEDS training sites located throughout the United States. The response by the law enforcement community to the LEEDS programs, both regionally and at the FBI Academy, has been overwhelming and its success can be measured by its significant growth since 1981.
The LEEDS network continues to graduate a significant number of law enforcement executives annually. In 1991, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) was formed to provide graduates with a vehicle for continued networking and educational opportunities. Today, FBI-LEEDA’s membership includes law enforcement executives throughout the United States, U.S. territories, and foreign countries. In addition to FBI-LEEDA’s mission of leadership and management training excellence, the Association strives to provide information to its members which will enhance their ability to maintain an outstanding quality of life in the communities in which they serve.
For more information on FBI-LEEDA, visit: www.FBILEEDA.org.