LEAA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INQUIRIES AND MEMBERSHIP

What is LEAA?

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is the nation's largest non-profit, non-partisan coalition of law enforcement professionals, crime victims, and concerned citizens united for justice. It is a place where cops and honest Americans can join hands in promoting public education on law enforcement issues, advancing community safety, criminal justice reform and expanding the right of self-defense.

Is LEAA Membership open only to law enforcement and crime victims?

No. Although a large part of LEAA's Membership is made up of current or retired law enforcement professionals or victims of crime, law-abiding citizens are a critically-important component of LEAA's Membership and mission.

LEAA often uses the experiences of rank-and-file law enforcement and the stories of crime victims to advance our public policy battles and educational efforts. But, without the political clout, grassroots strength and financial support of "average" Americans, we simply cannot win! (There is nothing "average" about American who are willing to stand up and be counted on the side of law and order and defense of our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights!) Unlike some other law enforcement-based groups, LEAA treats ALL Members the same, i.e., every Member gets one vote whether you are a civilian, crime victim or law enforcement.

Are my contributions to LEAA tax-deductible?

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is recognized by the United States Treasury Department as a non-profit organization under IRS Code Section 501(c)(4). Due to LEAA’s legislative activities, contributions to LEAA are not tax-deductible as a donation or business expense. Dues and contributions are not refundable.

I just joined LEAA; how long will it take to receive my Membership Card?

Membership cards are printed and mailed once annually, on or about the first of the year. Members joining after that time will receive an interim Membership card and will be placed on the list for the next embossed card printing.

When becoming a new member of LEAA, when will I receive my membership packet?

You will receive your membership packet in about six to eight week from the date your application is received. To reduce our overhead costs, Membership packets are sent via third class mail.

What is the cost for life membership?

Life Membership in LEAA costs only $200. There are two payment options: a one-time $200 payment, or five installments of $40 over a 12 month period.

How long will it take to receive merchandise ordered from LEAA?

Please allow four to six weeks for processing and delivery to the continental United States.

Is LEAA a partisan political organization?

No. LEAA has a very successful track record of working with both Republican and Democrats who share a conservative, tough-on-crime approach to justice. LEAA welcomes politicians of either party to embrace a more aggressive, pro-law enforcement, pro-victim's rights, pro-constitutional position.

QUESTIONS RE LEAA PUBLICATIONS

Who should I speak to about placing an ad in the Shield?

Due to administrative 'issues' related to IRS regulations, LEAA will not take advertising for any publicaitons. Accordingly, production of Shield has been indefinitely suspended.

Who should I speak to about submitting an article to run in the Shield?

LEAA always welcomes input, letters to the editor and articles written by Members. Articles written by non-Members are welcome provided that they are of interest, are well written and contain a written acknowledgment from the author(s) that LEAA may use the material without payment.

Due to the large volume of material received at LEAA, materials may not be returned and materials submitted may not be utilized. LEAA reserves the right to publish any materials received, including e-mails. LEAA also reserves the right to edit materials for clarity, space or any other reason. Materials submitted for publication should be sent to editor@leaa.org.

Who should I speak to about getting permission to reprint an article that ran in the Shield?

Requests for reprints need to include exact information about what is to be reprinted, a description of the publication in which the reprint will appear and information about any commentary or other material that will run in conjunction with the reprinted material. Reprints must be complete and verbatim. Reprint permission will be in writing. If permission is given, a copy of the publication with the reprint must be provided to LEAA at no charge. Reprint requests should be sent to reprints@leaa.org.

Who do I contact regarding media relations / inquiries?

Please direct all media inquiries to mediarelations@leaa.org or call 703-847-2677. All requests should contain the name, phone, fax and email info for each reporter / organization making the request. Additionally, providing details as to the specific nature of the media inquiry (i.e. what do you want LEAA to comment on) and information as to the format of the interview and deadline, if any, will facilitate a more timely and thorough response.

ISSUE-RELATED QUESTIONS

Does LEAA support civilian Right-To-Carry?

Absolutely! Part of LEAA's core mission is telling the truth from the law enforcement perspective, that gun control is NOT crime control. A simple but not well-known corollary is that honest civilians with firearms are no threat to law enforcement, they are a threat and deterrent to violent crime.

LEAA has a long (15 year+) very active history in supporting civilian right-to-carry. In fact, LEAA has actively supported passage of right to carry in nearly every single state that has adopted RTC reform in the past decade.

What are the gun laws when traveling from one jurisdiction to another?

Many gun owners and members of the law enforcement family are acutely and personally aware that the laws governing carrying, possessing and concealing a firearm are terribly confusing and inconsistent, varying wildly from place to place, often just by driving down the road a few miles. Sadly, what is legal in one spot can be a felony just down the road.

To address this patchwork of conflicting laws LEAA supports uniform Right to Carry laws on the state level. On the national level we support the McClure-Volkmer Firearms Owner Protection law and we support passage of H.R. 218. Given the challenges that face those who choose to go armed, LEAA advises that you personally check with the jurisdiction into which the firearm will be taken before you trust anyone's website or assertion as to what is, or is not, lawful.

What is the LEAA "Support Your Local Police" (SYLP) Program?

The SYLP is one among many different programs that LEAA has been involved in. Other programs or projects include Judicial Appointments, Three Strikes and You Are Out and Strikeback, among others. SYLP is part of a national education campaign conducted primarily through the mail. This campaign is geared toward gauging local support for local law enforcement through a “Police Issues Survey” and generating greater support for local police and building better relations from the public toward law enforcement through a “Letter of Support.” This campaign also educates the public on a number of LEAA activities and legislative initiatives.