American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-LAE)
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National Conference Competitions

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academic testing

A staple of the ACJA-LAE National Conference, the academic competitions challenge participants to be highly knowledgeable and well-rounded. ​
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crime scene investigation

The Crime Scene Investigation competition is designed to test preliminary investigative skills in a situation which requires an eye for detail, thorough notes, and a diligent investigative mindset.​
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firearms

Test your firearms skills against other competitive shooters! Compete as an individual and/or team to place in this category.
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physical agility

The Physical Agility Competition is a timed obstacle course similar to those employed in police academies and field operations training.
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academic research poster

The newest addition to the ACJA-LAE National Conference is an Academic Research Poster display and presentation. ​
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Talent Show / Lip-Sync

Each conference we enjoy our annual talent show / lip-sync event for a night of fun and surprises. Chapters or individuals may perform for our panel of judges!

Academic Competitions

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A staple of the ACJA-LAE National Conference, the academic competitions challenge participants to be highly knowledgeable and well-rounded. Each exam is comprised of 75 multiple-choice questions covering a wide breadth of material. 

All Textbooks will be available through Sage Publishing except the new *Special Conference-Themed Exam on Human Trafficking.
Criminal Law
Criminal Law
​Essential Criminal Law (3rd ed.)
Author: Matthew Lippman
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 154435598X

Police Management
Police Management & Operations
​Leadership and Management in Police Organizations
Author: Matthew J. Giblin
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 1483353176
Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Justice
​Juvenile Delinquency: Pathways and Prevention
Authors: Christopher A. Mallett and Miyuki Fukushima Tedor
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 1506361021

Corrections
Corrections
​Corrections: From Research, to Policy, to Practice (2nd ed.)
Authors: Mary K. Stohr and Anthony Walsh
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 1544375492


ACJA/LAE Knowledge
ACJA/LAE Knowledge
  • Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
Reference:
  • National Bylaws
  • National Standing Rules
  • National Brochure
  • ACJA/LAE History
  • National Oath & Symbolism Booklet
  • ACJA Website Content

  • (NEW) This exam will be included in Sweepstakes and Top Academic calculations.

Homeland & National Security
Homeland & National Security
​Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues (7th ed.)
Author: Gus Martin
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 1544375861

Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application (6th ed.)
Authors: Curt R. Bartol and Anne M. Bartol
Publisher: Sage Publications
ISBN: 1071815342
Human Trafficking *Special Conference Themed Exam*

Crime Scene Investigation Competition

The Crime Scene Investigation competition is designed to test preliminary investigative skills in a situation which requires an eye for detail, thorough notes, and a diligent investigative mindset.

Hotel rooms are generally used for this event, acting as a site where a simulated crime has occurred. Participants will compete in three-member teams (no exceptions). Teams may consist of individuals from more than one chapter. Teams will be sent to the scene of the crime in their pre-registered time slot. Each team will have a maximum period of time to complete their on-scene investigation. The team will then go into a controlled environment to prepare their written report for no longer than 45 minutes. Teams will be judged on their narrative report, evidence log, crime scene map, and other factors. 

Participants are highly encouraged to review the Crime Scene Investigation Law Enforcement Handbook.pdf to understand the best practices and standards for law enforcement identification, collection, and analysis of crime scene evidence. This is an unofficial (but helpful) resource that can serve as a general guide for crime scene processing—full technical comprehension of the document is not required.
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***Techniques from CSI Workshops will be utilized in the Crime Scene Competition. Attendance of all team members at the CSI Workshops is highly encouraged as both a way to learn from professionals in the field and also to score well during the on-scene investigation portion of this competition. Failure to attend may place your team at a disadvantage.***
CSI Report Rubric
CSI Sketch Rubric

ACADEMIC RESEARCH POSTERS

(NEW) The newest addition to the ACJA-LAE National Conference is an Academic Research Poster display and presentation. Competitors will display their posters for fellow members to view and must also give a 5 minute presentation to a committee of judges comprised of academic professionals and/or criminal justice practitioners. 

This event offers an unprecedented opportunity to conduct research in an area of interest and publish your findings. Display your poster at our National Conference and network with professionals, students, recruiters, and advisors with shared interests. 

Details:
  • All members are invited to bring an academic research poster to display. Please turn in your poster and sign up for a presentation time slot AT REGISTRATION for the conference. Easels will be provided.
  • Topics may relate to any subject pertinent to criminal justice and associated fields.
  • Certificates will be awarded to the top three research posters for Lower, Upper, and Graduate divisions.
Poster Rubric

Physical Agility Competition

The Physical Agility Competition is an obstacle course similar to those employed in police academies and field operations training. This competition is segmented by age and sex, with the top three competitors awarded in each category. Winners are determined by the shortest time to complete the event. Penalty time may be added for failed or missed obstacles. 

SOUTHLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT will be hosting the Physical Agility Competition for the upcoming 2024 National Conference! Please review the video below to prepare for this competition. It is highly recommended that all competitors be well hydrated prior to attempting the course. Waiver forms are REQUIRED for participation and will be supplied at sign in. ​
SOUTHLAKE DPS NORTH TRAINING FACILITY - 100 E DOVE RD, SOUTHLAKE, TX 76092

Firearms Competition

GRAPEVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT will be hosting the Firearms Competition for the upcoming 2024 National Conference!

​Range Location:
  • Grapevine Police Department Range Facilities 
  • 1960 ENCHANTED WAY, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051
​Be Sure To Review:
  • Firearms National Competition Standards
  • Firearms Range Safety Rules
  • Firearms Competition Course of Fire
  • Safety Briefing PowerPoint Presentation

Safety Reminders:
  • There’s no question: safety is the top priority in all aspects of our conference, especially when firearms are considered. We have a successful track record and continue to affirm the safety standards that have been outlined in the National Competition Standards. 
  • Range safety rules will be strictly enforced; participants are expected to know and follow all safety precautions and operations at all times.
  • All participants in the Firearms competition must have completed a nationally or state-recognized firearms safety course and/or carry a state firearms license or permit.
    • (12/15/2021) A government-issued law enforcement officer badge does suffice and meets this criteria. ✓
  • Be prepared when you arrive at the range:
    • participants must bring a copy of their qualifying safety documentation and qualifying score attestation for inspection by the range staff in order to compete
    • arrive prepared with all required supplies and clothing, per the firearms competition guidelines
    • present your signed competition liability waiver (copies will be available and disseminated to all competitors)
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CLOSEST LOCATION TO BUY AMMO IS BASS PRO SHOP <1 MILE FROM THE HOTEL
Contact Us
*Preferred Contact: [email protected]*
Website/Technical Support: [email protected]

Office Hours
12:00pm to 10:00pm CST
Mon - Wed
​
Mailing Address
American Criminal Justice Association
3211 Fitzgerald Dr
Montgomery, TX 77356

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The American Criminal Justice Association is a 501(c)7 tax-exempt organization devoted to expanding professionalism and education in all areas of the criminal justice field. Donations and scholarship support are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law. IRS ​EIN: 94-6129964.

​©2023 American Criminal Justice Association - Lambda Alpha Epsilon. All rights reserved.

  • Home
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    • Emblem
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  • 2026 National Conference
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    • Competitions >
      • Firearms Policy & Course of Fire
    • 2025 Conference Awards
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