UChicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy Informs First-Ever Bipartisan Federal Legislation to Expand Commander-Level Law Enforcement Training
Bipartisan Promoting Police Leadership Act, introduced by Senators Cornyn and Whitehouse, draws on UChicago model to set national standards
WASHINGTON, DC — UChicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy (PLA), an educational initiative focused on the critical commander rank responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, has informed legislation that would establish a national framework for advanced law enforcement leadership education. The Promoting Police Leadership Act was introduced last week by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
“As a 40-year veteran of law enforcement—having served as a Chief of Police, the Director of the COPS Office, and now a university public safety leader—I have seen firsthand that the greatest challenges facing modern policing cannot be solved by tactical training alone,” said PLA Instructor Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr., chief of police and vice president for public safety and emergency management at Brown University. “They require sophisticated leadership, data-driven management, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By equipping the next generation of law enforcement executives with a rigorous, curriculum-based education, we aren’t just improving individual departments; we are professionalizing the field and strengthening the bond of trust between police and the communities they serve.”
Effective management is critical for improving public safety outcomes, yet police leaders do not have access to the comprehensive, executive-style education we see in other high-stakes professions like medicine, the military, and business. The PLA is a leading example of the curriculum model that would be expanded through the Promoting Police Leadership Act. It aims to make this kind of leadership development possible by building the necessary skills for leading effectively, employing data-driven management practices, and building community trust.
“Many people assume police departments cannot improve fairness without compromising effectiveness, but the evidence tells a different story,” said PLA Instructor Commissioner Bill Bratton (ret.), Boston Police Department, New York Police Department, and Los Angeles Police Department. “My own police career has benefited significantly from the various police leadership training opportunities that I have had and continue to experience. Leadership training of this caliber is a true game changer for the profession to which so many of us have dedicated our lives — not only for its potential to enhance public safety, but for its ability to build trust and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve at a time when that trust is desperately needed.”
The bipartisan legislation is intended to expand access to commander-level law enforcement training for departments that may not have easy access to high-quality leadership education. Backed by several major law enforcement associations, the bill is now before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Its introduction aligns with National Police Week, when lawmakers consider high-priority law enforcement legislation.
“What the policing profession needs in our current moment is rigorous, evidence-informed leadership development grounded in the real challenges officers and command staff face every day,” said PLA Executive Director and former NYPD Chief of Department Kenneth E. Corey. “The University of Chicago’s Policing Leadership Academy has demonstrated what’s possible when law enforcement leaders are committed to saving lives, strengthening their organizations, and earning the trust of the communities they serve. We are proud to continue bringing this model to departments across the country.”
“The University of Chicago is committed to addressing society’s most pressing challenges with evidence-based solutions,” said University of Chicago Provost Dr. Katherine Baicker. “The Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy exemplifies this commitment by equipping law enforcement with proven tools and strategies to build safer communities. We are proud to support such an important initiative that highlights the power of research in service of the public good.”
Building on prior Crime Lab research showing that changes in police department management can drive reductions in both violent crime rates and police use of force, the PLA provides five months of practical instruction, peer learning, and hands-on training to help leaders navigate the challenges of modern policing. Its coursework combines the theoretical expertise of higher education experts with the real-world knowledge of community leaders and practitioners to equip participants with practical skills in data-driven management, community trust, violence reduction, and cross-sector collaboration.
“What police leaders can gain from data-driven leadership training goes beyond strategy. It challenges us to shift our approach from reacting to calls as they come in to proactively managing a precinct with the precision of a scientist,” said PLA graduate Commander Zach LaHood, Austin (TX) Police Department. “It’s no longer just about the number of tickets or arrests; it’s about putting resources where they prevent violence, prioritizing strong community partnerships, and minimizing the footprint of the criminal justice system.”
Since its launch in 2023, the PLA has trained 200 police leaders from 95 jurisdictions, many in the country’s highest-violence communities. Collectively, these jurisdictions account for roughly one-third of homicides in the United States. The program is being rigorously evaluated by the Crime Lab’s research team to measure its effectiveness in reducing violent crime in the police districts and precincts supervised by alumni.
“The Policing Leadership Academy fundamentally changed how I approach my role as a department leader,” said PLA graduate Interim Chief William Lewis, Gila River Police Department. “It gave me practical tools to make better decisions, build stronger relationships with my community, and lead my officers more effectively. I’m grateful to have received this kind of rigorous leadership training—something that I think is incredibly important for the future of policing.”
“Developing our rising leaders has been an exceptional experience for the Louisiana State Police. Using an evidence‑based curriculum, emphasis on trust‑building, and dedication to developing strong, service‑minded leaders aligns directly with our mission to serve the people of Louisiana with professionalism and integrity,” said Col. Robert P. Hodges, Louisiana State Police Department. “Programs like this have strengthened our leadership staff and equipped us with practical tools that are already making a positive impact on our organization and the communities we serve.”
The PLA was made possible thanks to the generosity of Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, who provided a leadership gift to launch the PLA. Griffin’s early, visionary support has enabled the development and initial scaling of a model that has already reached nearly 200 police leaders and has the potential to strengthen policing and public safety nationwide. The PLA is also grateful for early support from Michael Sacks.
“The Policing Leadership Academy is a strong example of how investing in leadership development and data-driven policing can help create safer neighborhoods across America,” said Griffin. “By expanding this training nationally, we can reduce violence and support the law enforcement leaders working every day to improve people’s lives—so children everywhere can play outside without fear.”
The text of the legislation can be found here. Senator Cornyn’s announcement of the bill can be found here and Senator Whitehouse’s announcement can be found here.
The University of Chicago Crime Lab partners with nonprofits and government organizations to design, test, and scale data-driven innovations to improve the public sector’s response to gun violence and to help make communities safer and more just.
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What people are saying
Roseanna Ander, Founding Executive Director, UChicago Crime Lab
“Violent crime in the United States is an urgent challenge that demands effective solutions. Investing in evidence-based training and education that is fair, effective, and community-centered, particularly for mid-level managers who serve as precinct or district commanders, is one of the most powerful and under-appreciated levers we have. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ken Griffin for his critical early support of the Policing Leadership Academy. I have no doubt that people are alive today because of his vision and generosity.”
Jason Bennett, Baltimore, MD (ret.)
PLA Cohort 2 graduate
“How we train and develop our police leaders matters. It is far too common for an officer to get promoted to a commander role with no roadmap for how to lead at that level. Bringing data-driven leadership training to law enforcement nationwide will make departments more effective and will improve the safety of our cities.”
Chief John Chambers, Chattanooga, TN
PLA Cohort 3 graduate
“Police leaders are making decisions every day that affect their communities, and too often they’re doing it without the data skills and leadership tools that other professions take for granted. By investing in the leaders who have the greatest leverage to reduce violence and build community trust in their district, we have a better shot at moving the needle on violent crime and improving public safety.”
Commander Chris Currier, Providence, RI
PLA Cohort 3 graduate
“Policing leadership and management training is an extremely valuable professional development opportunity I have had the privilege of participating in. The experiences gained, lessons learned, and relationships formed have certainly enhanced my abilities as a leader within my department and the community I serve.”
Chief Greg Galliano, Albany, CA
PLA Cohort 3 graduate
“I know firsthand what it means to step into a command role without the training to match the responsibility the job demands. A leadership-focused education for law enforcement that brings data-driven management training to police commanders has real potential to transform how departments are led.”
Chief Eddie Garcia, Fort Worth Police Department
“As a police chief, I’ve seen the difference it makes when our commanders are equipped with the right training and skills to make data-informed decisions and lead effectively, as it pertains to the issues our individual departments face which is what makes this program unique. A rigorous leadership and management education changes how we direct our resources, how we deploy our officers, and how we build trust in our communities—all of which are essential to better policing and better outcomes for the cities we serve.”
Dr. Jens Ludwig, University of Chicago Crime Lab Pritzker Director
“As police departments continue to struggle with shrinking budgets and increased responsibilities, the PLA represents a pennies-on-the-dollar way to boost public safety outcomes. The Crime Lab is dedicated to working with police departments around the country to deliver this transformational leadership intervention.”
Sir Andy Marsh, Chief Constable, UK College of Policing
“Having spent nearly 40 years in policing and now leading the standard setting body for policing in England and Wales, I can confidently say that leadership makes everything better in policing. From performance in cutting crime and keeping people safe, to catching criminals and raising standards, from officer retention and satisfaction to tackling misconduct, leadership matters and it won’t happen incidentally or ‘by accident’. Leadership needs investment, development and planning, so I am pleased to be able to contribute to the impressive work of the Policing Leadership Academy.”
RJ Melman, President and CEO, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
“We have always been proud to support the Policing Leadership Academy in their efforts to bring leadership excellence to the people responsible for keeping us safe. Seeing the PLA’s education model recognized at the federal level as a blueprint for how to transform public safety is a tremendous milestone, and I look forward to watching the impact it will continue to have on communities nationwide.”
Chief Tanya Terry, Indianapolis, IN
PLA Cohort 2 graduate
“Leadership training for law enforcement closes a critical gap—one that has real consequences for officers, for entire departments, and for the communities we serve. When police commanders are better equipped to lead with data, accountability, and a commitment to community trust, our cities become safer.”