John E. Ott.
editor of the FBI Bulletin
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The FBI Bulletin
Hard copies of the LEB reach well over an estimated 250,000 readers each month. Approximately 43,000 issues are published each month. Readership surveys consistently reveal that most readers pass on their copies to an average of 6 other people. These 43,000 are distributed to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in line with the FBI's mandate to provide training services on a cost-free basis, as part of the official business of the Department of Justice. As of November 2007, 733 copies were being sent to 720 paid subscribers, primarily members of the general public and those law enforcement professionals who do not meet the criteria for free distribution. The subscription price is $53 per year in the United States and $74.20 for foreign distribution. Subscription information can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/leborder.htm. Current issues and 10 previous years of issues also are available on the Internet at http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/leb.htm. Author guidelines can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/publications/leb/authguid.htm.
The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin History
The Beginning
In October 1932, the Bureau of Investigation published a brief magazine-sized pamphlet titled Fugitives Wanted by Police. In 1935, as the Bureau of Investigation became the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the publication was renamed the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin and added brief articles noting advances in police science to its fugitives write-ups. As the 1930s continued to witness a renaissance of American policing, marked by increased professionalism and the growth of the forensic sciences, the Bulletin served as a primary resource for disseminating information throughout the law enforcement community.
The Forties and Fifties
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States joined the Allied war effort against the Axis Powers. Like all segments of society, policing changed dramatically during the war years. Throughout the war era, the Bulletin provided law enforcement officials with information related to national defense, scientific aids, and police training. As the American economy expanded during the post-war years, unparalleled growth led to profound changes for the law enforcement community. In its pages, the Bulletin addressed the major issues of the time, including rising levels of juvenile delinquency and the police role in maintaining national security.
The Sixties and Seventies
In the 1960s, the Bulletin chronicled a decade of intense social change. In addition to advances in the forensic sciences, articles focused on such topics as the growing drug culture and
police response to civil disturbances. During the 1970s, the Bulletin featured articles that promoted the evolving emphasis on education in policing, as well as changes in tactics and hiring practices embraced by the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
The Eighties and Nineties
During the 1980s, the Bulletin further established itself as a primary training resource for law enforcement administrators in agencies throughout the nation and the world. During the decade, the Bulletin featured articles on a broad array of scientific, technological, and strategic advances that would prove to have a dramatic affect on law enforcement. In the 1990s, the Bulletin embraced new technologies to reach a wider and more diverse readership. In 1991, it became one of the first law enforcement-related publications to go on-line.
The 21st Century
Today, the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin is one of the most widely read law enforcement-related publications in the world. Each month law enforcement administrators in more than 95 countries receive copies. Given its high “pass-around” rate and on-line presence, the Bulletin estimates its readership at approximately 250,000 criminal justice professionals each month. As the Bulletin begins a new century, its mission remains strong—to inform, educate, and broaden the criminal justice community’s understanding of current issues facing law enforcement. For over 70 years, the Bulletin has served this community and will continue to do so in the challenging days ahead.
Sincerely,
John E. Ott
Editor
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin