Member Spotlight: Louis Dekmar, Former Chief of Police, LaGrange, GA
In 2023, Chief Lou Dekmar unexpectedly received an email from a Harvard research fellow. Dekmar, who retired that year after almost three decades...
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Who We Are
Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration (LEL) brings together nearly 200 current and former police chiefs, sheriffs, federal and state chief prosecutors, attorneys general, and corrections officials from across the country who are committed to supporting practical, tested policies that reduce unnecessary incarceration and improve public safety.
Criminal justice reform
Our Mission
We believe that the goals of reducing crime and reducing incarceration are not only compatible but are also mutually required. Unnecessary incarceration is counterproductive. It can disrupt families and communities, block employment and education opportunities, waste taxpayer dollars, further divide law enforcement from their communities, and create more crime. Public safety resources should be focused on preventing crime, especially violent crime, ensuring accountability, supporting survivors of crime, and improving the safety and well-being of all in the community.
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Explore Our Work
Reducing the Scope of the Criminal Justice System
Reducing the reach of the criminal justice system is vital for restoring balance within our criminal laws, significantly reducing excessive sentences, and addressing racial disparities.
Promoting Safer and Healthier Communities
Implementing evidence-based strategies and data-driven approaches that prevent crime, provide treatment and supportive services, reduce violence, and end cycles of recidivism are essential for protecting and uplifting our communities.
Improving Training and Prioritizing Community Relationships
Improving the training and well-being of police, prosecutors, and corrections staff is critical for building cultures of accountability and trust within agencies and with communities.
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There are two requirements for membership: 1. Members lead or have led law enforcement agencies or associations, such as: police department heads, sheriffs, district attorneys, state and county attorneys, U.S. Attorneys, state and federal attorneys general, correctional officials, public safety chiefs, or heads of national law enforcement associations, and 2. Members sign onto the mission statement and agree to be listed on our website. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us here.
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We aim to build a fairer and more effective criminal justice system by replacing ineffective policies with practical, tested practices that reduce both crime and unnecessary incarceration.
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