academic testing

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

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.​

firearms

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

physical agility

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

academic research poster

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

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. 

(NEW) To offer more budget-conscious options to conference attendees, all textbooks this year are available in both online/digital and print versions from the same publisher, Pearson. All texts are available through traditional textbook sources and can also be accessed online via Pearson Plus for $14.99/mo. 

Criminal Law

Criminal Law

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook:
  • Criminal Law Today, 7th edition; Frank Schmalleger
    

Police Management

Police Management & Operations

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook: 
  • Police Administration: Structures, Processes, and Behaviors, 9th edition; Charles R. Swanson,  Leonard J. Territo,  Robert W. Taylor
    

Juvenile Justice

Juvenile Justice

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook: 
  • Juvenile Delinquency, 10th edition; Clemens Bartollas, Frank Schmalleger,  Michael Turner
    

Corrections

Corrections

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook:
  • Corrections (Justice Series), 3rd edition; Leanne F. Alarid,  Philip L. Reichel
    

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

Homeland & National Security

Homeland & National Security

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook:
  • Terrorism, Intelligence and Homeland Security, 2nd edition; Robert W. Taylor,  Charles R. Swanson
• (NEW) This pilot exam is authorized for 2022-2023 at the request of members to broaden our academic subjects and better reflect the evolving discipline of criminal justice. This exam does not count towards the Sweepstakes or Top Academic awards this year. Depending on member feedback, the Board may determine to establish this as a standing exam or explore other subjects within the criminal justice field for future conferences.

Criminology

Criminology

• Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
• Textbook:
  • Criminology Today: An Integrative Introduction, 10th edition; Frank Schmalleger
    
• (NEW) This pilot exam is authorized for 2023 at the request of members to broaden our academic subjects and better reflect the evolving discipline of criminal justice. This exam does not count towards the Sweepstakes or Top Academic awards in 2023. Depending on member feedback, the Board may determine to establish this as a standing exam or explore other subjects within the criminal justice field for future conferences.

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 of fifteen 15 minutes 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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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 timed 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. 
• 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.

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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. 

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Firearms Competition

Range Location:

• TBD

​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)