Legal Definitions - Law Enforcement Assistance Administration

The Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) was a federal agency that operated as part of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1968, its primary function was to manage and distribute federal grants to state and local law enforcement agencies across the United States. These grants were intended to help improve various aspects of criminal justice, including police operations, court systems, and correctional facilities, as authorized by the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The LEAA no longer exists, having been succeeded by other federal bodies such as the National Institute of Justice and the National Institute of Corrections, which now carry out similar functions.

Examples:

• Scenario: In the early 1970s, a small-town police department in rural Ohio wanted to upgrade its communication system from outdated two-way radios to more modern, reliable equipment to improve officer safety and response times.

  Explanation: The LEAA would have been the federal agency responsible for reviewing and potentially approving a grant application from this police department. If approved, the LEAA would provide the necessary federal funds to help the department acquire the new communication technology, fulfilling its mandate to assist local law enforcement improvements.

• Scenario: A state prison system in the late 1960s sought to develop and implement a new vocational training program for inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism by equipping them with marketable skills upon release.

  Explanation: The LEAA was specifically tasked with administering grants for such initiatives. The state prison system could apply to the LEAA for federal funding to establish and run this rehabilitation program, demonstrating how the agency supported improvements in correctional practices.

• Scenario: A major city in the early 1970s aimed to launch a pilot program focused on community-based crime prevention, involving neighborhood watch groups and increased police-community interaction in high-crime areas.

  Explanation: To fund this innovative approach to public safety, the city could have applied for a grant from the LEAA. The agency's role was to provide financial assistance for a wide range of criminal justice improvements, including programs designed to prevent crime and foster better community relations with law enforcement.