About LEMIT



State Representative Bill Blackwood

About Us

In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature honored State Representative Bill Blackwood (R-Mesquite) by renaming the Law Enforcement Management Institute in recognition of his extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to law enforcement. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Representative Blackwood served in the Texas Legislature from 1984 to 1993. During his tenure, he was a steadfast advocate for law enforcement, championing legislation to provide death benefits for the families of officers killed in the line of duty in 1991 and authoring the legislation that established the Law Enforcement Management Institute in 1987.

In 1991, Representative Blackwood was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his diagnosis and medical advice, he continued to serve the people of District 101 with dedication and resolve. Representative Blackwood passed away on June 25, 1993, shortly after the adjournment of the 73rd Regular Session, at the age of 56.

"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
-- Calvin Coolidge

For three decades, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) has been a cornerstone of advanced education, professional development, research, and services for the law enforcement community. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1989, LEMIT has grown into one of the largest and most sophisticated statewide training programs for law enforcement leadership in the nation. Its initiatives are nationally recognized for equipping current and future leaders with the skills necessary to meet the complex demands of 21st-century policing.

LEMIT's programs are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of public administration, leadership, and the dynamic political, legal, and social environments of policing. In addition, the institute addresses advanced technical issues critical to the field of law enforcement.

Core Programs and Initiatives:

  • Continuing Education: Comprehensive professional development for all Texas Police Chiefs and Constables.
  • Leadership Development: Tailored courses to cultivate emerging leaders in law enforcement.
  • Specialized Programs: Innovative solutions for pressing agency needs, including topics like crisis intervention, female leadership, emergency management, and environmental enforcement.
  • Research and Innovation: Strategic partnerships to address key issues, improve practices, and advance policy development in areas such as racial profiling, eyewitness identification, and sexual assault investigation.
  • Academic Collaboration: Close cooperation with the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University to integrate cutting-edge research and academic rigor into law enforcement training.

LEMIT remains dedicated to the advancement of education, leadership, and innovation within the law enforcement profession. By anticipating and responding to the evolving needs of agencies and their communities, LEMIT empowers law enforcement leaders to achieve excellence and uphold the highest standards of service and protection.

Our Mission

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is dedicated to delivering premier education, professional development, and service to the law enforcement community. Our mission is to foster ethical advancement, empower leadership excellence, and elevate the standards of Texas law enforcement.

Our Core Values

  • Continuous Growth: Leadership is a journey of lifelong learning.
  • Respectful Service: We uphold respect as the foundation of all interactions.
  • Collaboration: We work as a unified team to achieve shared goals.
  • Innovation: Creativity and forward-thinking drive our progress.
  • Respect: We believe in the inherent dignity and value of all people.
  • Active Listening: We value understanding and meaningful dialogue.
  • Integrity: Trust is at the heart of everything we do.