NCJ Number
120624
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 16 Issue: 9 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 18-20,62-64
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN) targets the 17,000 city, county, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies, offering news, training, and information directly relating to law enforcement through its encrypted broadcasting system.
Abstract
LETN aims to have over 5000 subscribers within its first three years of operation, becoming the audiovisual equivalent of the National Crime Information Center. The idea of a satellite transmission of television signals to law enforcement agencies was first established by the Law Enforcement Satellite Training Network (L.E.S.T.N.), a joint FBI and Kansas City, Missouri Police Department venture that broadcasts programs on organized crime, stress, DNA identification, officer safety, and other topics. Through a cooperative arrangement, LETN is allowed to broadcast L.E.S.T.N. programs. By January 1, 1990, LETN will have four hours of original programming per week, with further expansion plans dependent on budget, talent availability, and subscriber acceptance. LETN also prints a magazine-style monthly program guide for its subscribers. "Roll Call" is a program directed at street officers, showing short segments on survival tactics, national police events, and safety and fitness issues. In 1990, "Crime Scene," aimed at investigators and detectives, will focus on autopsies, document analysis, evidence, surveillance, and other issues. "Command Update" is intended for command personnel; it will cover topics including leadership, grievances, community relations, and drug enforcement. Another management-directed program, "Command Performance," slated for 1990, will focus on performance-oriented training and information. Other planned additions include "Street Beat," "LETN News," and a program to be coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Agency. The costs of LETN include progressive subscriber fees and the possible costs of videotaping programs. LETN offered benefits include quality and affordable training, increased telecommunications ability, and the potential development of nationwide law enforcement standards. However, its programming cannot provide hands-on training in firearms, defensive tactics, or other physical skills. The network intends to form a national advisory board composed of various law enforcement professionals in order to responsibly serve its audience.