The National Law Enforcement Council: a law enforcement umbrella.

Complex, multijurisdictional investigations illustrate the lack of communication and cooperation that sometimes exists between law enforcement agencies. Even when they are working on the same case, local, State, and Federal officers may keep to themselves, refusing to exchange information. Tension increases in high-profile cases, as the media emphasize every incident in which it seems that law enforcement cannot get along.

The National Law Enforcement Council (NLEC) attempts to break down the barriers between agencies and to enhance interagency communication and cooperation. Founded in 1979, the NLEC serves as the umbrella organization for 14 major associations in the criminal justice field, including such groups as the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Troopers Coalition, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The executive heads of the member associations meet six to eight times per year in Washington, DC. At these meetings, leaders in the criminal justice field--such as the FBI Director, the Attorney General, and the chairman and ranking members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees--formally address the council, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Prior to each speech, NLEC members meet with the guest speaker informally, which encourages communication and allows council members to understand better the issues facing today's national law enforcement leaders. At the same time, the guest speaker learns what concerns the leaders of officers in the field.

Perhaps just as valuable is the networking that occurs between NLEC members. They quickly establish a rapport and broaden their understanding of one another's problems and concerns.

These meetings often produce unforeseen, yet worthwhile, results. For example, when the president of the Association of Federal Investigators (AFI) met the head of the Federal Criminal Investigators Association (FCIA), they realized that both associations had essentially the same goals, but different membership bases. The AFI consisted of middle and top-level Federal supervisors, while field agents formed the backbone of the FCIA.

The two leaders agreed that merging the two organizations represented a natural and logical course of action. The members of each group concurred and approved the merger. As a result, the Federal Investigators Association, with some 5,000 members, represents Federal investigators of all ranks and jurisdictions.

Legislative Issues

Although the NLEC does not lobby Congress directly, individual members do. These representatives often present the council's views at congressional committee hearings when invited to do so. In addition, member associations testify before Congress on a variety of important criminal justice issues.

Members of the council also have led the way in supporting crime legislation. NLEC members have met with congressional sponsors of crime bills to offer suggestions and to express their opinions on areas of particular concern. These meetings between congressional and NLEC members have resulted in legislation that has, for example, increased the types of crimes punishable by the death penalty, limited the rules of habeas corpus, enacted mandatory minimum prison sentences, and streamlined the criminal justice system.

However, Federal legislation represents merely one concern of the NLEC. Council meetings also serve as a forum for discussing legislation that directly impacts State and local law enforcement officers. In many States, law enforcement officers are working with citizens to abolish parole for violent criminals and to get "Three-Strikes-and-You're-Out" initiatives on election ballots.

Other Issues

Efforts to effect crime legislation reflect law enforcement's desire to improve society. In addition, pay, retirement, and other personnel issues represent additional areas of concern to NLEC members because criminal justice professionals can better serve their communities when they receive personal satisfaction from their jobs.

In January 1994, members testified before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits regarding special classification and pay for Federal law enforcement officers. At the request of the committee chairman, NLEC members provided language for a congressional bill to provide Federal law enforcement officers with enhanced pay. The resulting bill demonstrates the Government's recognition that because law enforcement officers represent the first line of defense against crime, their pay should reflect this responsibility. Further, Federal legislation serves as a model for State and local legislation.

Conclusion

For over 15 years, the National Law Enforcement Council has served as a forum for law enforcement administrators to discuss important issues and to network with their peers. The rapport these professionals establish provides the foundation for a solid working relationship. As a result, whether investigating a major case or testifying before Congress, NLEC members work together to protect their communities. Indeed, this law enforcement umbrella is big enough to shelter an entire country.

National Law Enforcement Council Member Organizations

* Airborne Law Enforcement Association

* Federal Investigators Association

* FBI National Academy Associates

* Fraternal Order of Police

* International Association of Chiefs of Police

* International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association

* International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO 

* Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation

* National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys

* National Association of Police Organizations

* National District Attorneys Association

* National Sheriffs' Association

* National Troopers Coalition

* Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI

Mr. Burden chairs the National Law Enforcement Council, Washington, DC, and serves as president of the Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation, Nanuet, New York.