Law Enforcement Coordination

The Law Enforcement Coordinator (LEC) is the Manager of the LEC Program and develops USAO’s law enforcement engagement and outreach plan. The LEC maintains and develops relationships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies to support public safety efforts and carry out DOJ strategic initiatives. The LEC is the district's primary day-to-day liaison to/for federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Supporting and Empowering Law Enforcement

The President and Attorney General place a high priority on supporting, empowering, and collaborating with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, which are critical to promoting public safety.  Regular and ongoing communication helps to demonstrate commitment, foster supportive relationships, build partnerships, establish/maintain credibility, and advance mutual public safety goals. The following are important ways USAOs can support and empower law enforcement.

1.  Maintain Contact and Meet Regularly with Law Enforcement Officials
2. Recognize Officer Line of Duty Deaths (LODDs) and Injuries
3. Provide investigative support to Criminal and Civil Division
4. Honor Law Enforcement Contributions Through Awards
5. Promote Officer Wellness and Safety
6. Facilitate Training/Training &Technical Assistance (TTA)
7. Promote DOJ Grant Programs

Line of Duty Death (LODD)

When an officer dies or is injured in the line of duty (LODD), an entire community is impacted.  It is important that USAOs demonstrate respect and support in these situations, which may also involve federal prosecution of individuals whose actions caused these irreparable harms.  USAOs are encouraged to locally recognize and honor officers who have died or have been injured in the line of duty (e.g., attend funerals and memorials, meet with families, make hospital visits).  USAOs should also facilitate the process for the Attorney General to offer condolences to the families of fallen law enforcement officers.

Coordinating Training, Law Engagement and Outreach

The mission of the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) is to facilitate and promote coordination, communication, and cooperation among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Mississippi by providing them with resources, information, training, and technical assistance. The LECC also participates and aids in implementing community-based anti-drug and anti-violence programs, such as Project Safe Childhood, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and The Small-Town Crime Initiative.

Grants and Resources

USAOs have an important role in promoting assistance that is available through DOJ’s grantmaking agencies (e.g., funding opportunities, training/technical assistance, publications).  Additionally, it is important that each USAO have at least one subject-matter-expert (SME) to guide USAO staff on permissible ways to engage with grant applicants and awardees.  The following are core duties associated with SME responsibilities, which are generally performed by the Law Enforcement Coordinator.