The Law Enforcement Education Program Is in Serious Financial Disarray

Since 1969, the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) made over $278 million in loans and grants without adequate management controls. The program was originally established by Congress in 1968 the purpose of assisting those working in law enforcement or planning to work in law enforcement to obtain a higher education. Under the program, grants and loans are made to individuals enrolled in law enforcement or criminal justice courses at almost 1,000 junior colleges, colleges, and universities. The grants and loans are canceled without repayment if the recipient works for a publicly supported law enforcement or criminal justice agency for a specified period. Otherwise, the recipient must repay the grant or loan with interest.