About LEMIT



State Representative Bill Blackwood

In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature renamed the Law Enforcement Management Institute in honor of State Representative Bill Blackwood (R-Mesquite). Bill Blackwood, a graduate of Texas A&M University, served in the Texas Legislature from 1984 through 1993. During this term, Representative Blackwood was a staunch supporter of law enforcement. In 1991, he sponsored legislation providing death benefits for the families of police officers killed in line of duty. And, in 1987, he sponsored the legislation creating the Law Enforcement Management Institute.

Representative Blackwood was diagnosed with cancer in 1991. Despite the advice of his doctors he remained active in the representation of the people in District 101. Representative Bill Blackwood died on June 25, 1993, shortly after the adjournment of the 73rd Regular Session. He was 56 years old.

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

For 30 years, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas has been committed to providing exceptional education, professional development, research and services to the law enforcement community to inspire excellence in leadership and management for 21st Century law enforcement agencies.

Created by the Texas Legislature in 1989, LEMIT is one of the largest and most sophisticated statewide preparation program for police management in the United States and is nationally recognized for its initiatives to develop the administrative, analytical, and executive skills of current and future law enforcement officials. The programs include in-depth examinations of public administration, management issues, and the political, legal, and social environments of policing as well as advanced technical issues facing the discipline.

As part of its mandate, LEMIT provides:

  • Continuing education opportunities to all Texas Police Chiefs and Constables
  • Leadership and management courses for emerging leaders in law enforcement
  • Special programs to address the evolving needs of agencies by providing innovative concepts, techniques and knowledge
  • Targeted efforts for officers in crisis, female leadership, emergency management, and environmental enforcement
  • Partnerships with agencies to conduct research on key issues to improve practices for professionals
  • Collaboration with state and federal government to develop model policies and practice in the field, such as racial profiling, eyewitness identification, and sexual assault investigation.
  • Cooperation with College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University to remain at the cutting-edge of research in criminal justice and criminology LEMIT is dedicated to the advancement of education for law enforcement leaders and to respond to the evolving needs of the profession. It stands ready to support those who protect and serve our communities.

Mission Statement

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is committed to providing exceptional education, professional development, and service to the law enforcement community in order to enhance the ethical advancement of Texas law enforcement and inspire excellence in leadership.

Our Mission

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is committed to providing exceptional education, professional development, and service to the law enforcement community in order to enhance the ethical advancement of Texas law enforcement and inspire excellence in leadership.

Our Values

We believe leadership is learning every day.
We provide service with respect.
We are team players.
We encourage creativity and innovation.
We embrace diversity and equality.
We listen...
Trust us.