ARLINGTON, VA – The National Policing Institute, formerly known as the National Police Foundation, is an independent research organization committed to pursuing excellence in policing through the use and promotion of innovation and science. Today, with a new name that better reflects its purpose, the organization is moving forward with the mission it was created with more than 50 years ago.

The National Policing Institute will continue to be motivated by the importance of science, innovations, and fact-based dialogue as it encourages community engagement in conversations about policing in local communities. Since its founding in 1970, the organization’s work has included rigorous objective research and detailed independent analysis – offering a theory of change and evolution for policing and communities that leverages science, innovation, and expertise.

“In our new name, the National Policing Institute, we affirm our commitment and dedication to partnering with communities and those who proudly serve within them to discover and share new ideas, strengthen currently effective approaches and partnerships, and to answer some of the most challenging questions confronting the future of democratic policing,” said Jim Burch, the organization’s president. “Though our mission and purpose have not strayed from providing an independent and fact-based voice, we are hopeful that our new name will more clearly reflect our purpose for all of those we serve and support for more justice, more safety, and for stronger communities.”

About the National Policing Institute:

Formerly known as the National Police Foundation, the National Policing Institute’s mission is to pursue excellence in policing through innovation and science. It is the oldest nationally-known, non-profit, non-partisan, and non-membership-driven organization dedicated to improving America’s most noble profession – policing.

The National Policing Institute has been on the cutting edge of police innovation for over 50 years since it was established by the Ford Foundation as a result of the President’s Commission on the Challenge of Crime in a Free Society (1967) and the related conclusions of the Kerner and Eisenhower Commissions, taking place during the same era.

Click here to view the National Policing Institute’s strategic plan.