2024 ANNUAL REPORT
We are in the policing business. Our team of experienced law enforcement leaders, expert researchers, and dedicated staff envision safe, professional, effective policing for everyone, every time.
The voices of NPI
Dr. Cynthia Lum, Ph.D.
NPI Board Member
NPI is a leading resource and influencer in American policing.
Laura Wyckoff, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Knowledge, Learning, and Translation
Working closely with policing leaders, NPI translates research into best practices for agencies nationwide.
Katie Zafft, Ph.D.
Senior Program Manager II
By listening to what matters to law enforcement officers, NPI is able to deliver the resources they need most.
Michael Hatch, MPA
Senior Program Manager II
NPI leverages research to provide tailored training and assistance across the country.
A year in review...
January
To engage our stakeholders in thoughtful discussions, NPI launched a monthly email digest of research, resources, and agency highlights related to issues that matter to policing. Designed to be a “5-minute read,” featured topics in 2024 included violent crime reduction, community engagement, crisis response, training, and more. Interested in joining the conversation?
Offering Considerations for Specialized Units
NPI engaged dozens of law enforcement leaders, staff, and others to provide real-world perspectives for the development of a report, "Considerations for Specialized Units.” The report provides agencies with practical guidance on forming specialized teams in law enforcement agencies and how to ensure appropriate management, oversight, and accountability. The report garnered so much attention that checklists were created for law enforcement to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations within agencies. Additionally, the report was presented during many conferences, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference.
Early in 2024, our expert staff worked closely with our board of directors to refine our mission and vision. With respect for our deep history, we refreshed our look in anticipation and celebration of our 55th year in 2025.
February
March
Addressing the Culture of Roadway Safety
The National Law Enforcement Roadway Safety Program is dedicated to preventing officer injuries and fatalities on roadways, including collisions and struck-by incidents. In February, NPI released “The Role of Law Enforcement Culture in Officer Safety During Driving and Roadway Operations.” The report, developed with the support of law enforcement experts, details current beliefs, misconceptions, and key considerations regarding roadway safety, sparking a campaign of awareness and enhancing access to important, no-cost online courses for officer safety.
NPI Releases Study on Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting Laws
Crimes committed with firearms remain a top issue for communities nationwide. Firearm theft and loss likely contributes to this issue, and policymakers and law enforcement agencies have turned to different approaches to address it. NPI conducted an assessment of lost and stolen firearm reporting policies and laws and their implementation across the U.S. Findings released in April help states consider the effectiveness of new and existing laws and offer recommendations to enhance them moving forward, encouraging policymakers to engage law enforcement in the process.
April
May
Highlighting Community Engagement at PLECET Conference
To ensure police are always well-equipped and well-informed, NPI works with the Bureau of Justice Assistance to maintain the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab. A first-of-its-kind resource hub for policing strategies and training, the Lab offers assistance to agencies nationwide upon request.
In May, the Lab helped plan the 2024 Professionalizing Law Enforcement—Community Engagement Training (PLECET) conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual training, networking, and professional development event is designed for sworn and non-sworn personnel who are building relationships with their communities. Over 1,700 officers and others from all fifty states attended this important training opportunity.
Providing Training and Best Practices in Crime Gun Intelligence
With support and involvement from the U.S. Department of Justice, NPI operates the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center Initiative.
In June, NPI hosted a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) multisite training in Miami, Florida, where more than 100 police professionals learned about the intelligence-sharing model and the technology and resources it leverages.
June
July
Addressing Public Safety Needs During Election Cycles
To inform agency planning before, during, and after ballots are cast, NPI and its partners engaged law enforcement leaders from across the U.S. to produce insights and lessons learned for those responsible for public safety during a time of elections.
Nearly 60 police leaders from federal, state, and local agencies came together to create a resource-rich website, Public Safety & Elections: A Guide for Law Enforcement. There, agencies can access subject matter expertise, best practices, and recommendations to implement in their communities.
Testing New Supervisory Approaches in Policing
NPI is currently conducting a study designed to help law enforcement enhance interactions with the public while simultaneously fostering a productive and favorable work culture. The study analyzes the impact of regularly scheduled meetings between supervisors and officers to discuss positive incidents and performance. As supervisors apply procedural justice principles during the meetings with officers, researchers examine officers’ performance related to use of force and arrests. In August, NPI completed its first case study in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The preliminary results indicate success and more data is forthcoming.
August
September
Introducing New Ideas in American Policing
As part of NPI's iconic Ideas in American Policing series, in September, Dr. Dennis P. Rosenbaum with the University of Illinois at Chicago presented his powerful new essay on measuring community-police interactions to a room full of law enforcement professionals, criminologists, and doctoral students.
Honoring Leaders in American Policing
At the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference, NPI presented vital research on specialized units, crisis response, and more. Researchers attended sessions and maximized the opportunity to exchange ideas with top law enforcement professionals and thought leaders from around the nation. NPI also hosted its annual awards event honoring two lifelong changemakers who are leaving an indelible mark on the policing profession. Special thanks to our award sponsors, Greg Orman and former board member Adam R. Rose, and event sponsor, Axon. (More on this event below!)
Delivering Resources to Rural Agencies and Communities
NPI operates the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative (RVCRI) which helps small and rural agencies across the U.S. by providing webinars, training and technical assistance, and peer-to-peer interactions.
Many collaborations between agencies occurred this year, including in October, when the RVCRI team supported the Elizabethton Police Department (EPD) in its visit to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). There, EPD learned about CMPD’s criminal investigations and internal affairs processes, crime scene investigation and documentation practices, and real-time crime center.
Hear from Samantha Rhinerson, M.A., why leading the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative is important to her.
October
November
Sharing Innovations and Tools in Gun Crime Investigations
In November, NPI’s CGIC team released its GunStat toolkit outlining a data-driven management strategy that uses the identification, prosecution, and post-conviction monitoring of gun offenders to reduce violent gun crime. The comprehensive kit offers real-world examples and templates to illustrate how criminal justice personnel—agencies, prosecutors, and other stakeholders—can systematically track gun cases and offenders through the criminal justice system.
Enhancing the Public Image of Law Enforcement
Bringing law enforcement to the table when conducting research is crucial to gain insights and develop resources that work. In November, NPI, in collaboration with the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, held a series of convenings with thought leaders, policing executives, community organizations, and subject matter experts to better understand policing's public image.
The lessons learned will help researchers inform strategies to strengthen policing's reputation in hopes of better recruitment, retention, job satisfaction, and overall safety. More to come in 2025.
Embracing Public Safety Partnerships
Throughout the year, NPI staff attend conferences and meetings nationwide to engage with police professionals and fellow researchers. Information shared and learned helps everyone continue on the path to achieving excellence in policing. In December, NPI staff wrapped a productive year with the National Public Safety Partnership 10th Anniversary Summit.
Leadership staff and researchers contributed to thoughtful conversations and presented some of our current work, including research on operational stressors and their impacts on police and police training receptiveness.
December
There is even more in store for 2025. Hear from one of NPI’s expert researchers, Dr. Ryan Fisher, and Senior Director Erin Vermilye about NPI’s exciting future.
Ryan Fisher, Ph.D.
Senior Research Manager
Erin Vermilye
Senior Director of Strategy and Engagement
NPI strikes a balance between research and practice.
We have our finger on the pulse of what matters to the field.
Listening to the field
We engage law enforcement to identify needs and trends.
Engage the field
We have thoughtful conversations on topics important to the profession.
Celebrate the field
We honor those who spearhead impactful change in communities and policing.
Our mission is guided by our board of directors
Board chairman and former law enforcement executive, Ronal Serpas, Ph.D., shares how NPI helps guide American policing.
Our board of directors has a wealth of knowledge and experience in policing, business, and research, including members who are former and current law enforcement leaders.
We can’t achieve excellence without our dedicated staff
Financials
Fiscal Year 2024 Unaudited Financials
Programs
Expenditures
Administration
Fundraising
Contracts
Affiliate Support
Contributions & Private Grants
Funding Sources
Federal Grants
2025 marks 55 years of NPI advancing policing through science and innovation.
In this milestone year, we will continue conducting important research that serves our American
police officers and the communities they protect.