Examiner Resources

LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLINE (LEO)
The Law Enforcement community's Information Highway to the 21st Century.

By: Dominic J. Denio, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20535

There is an increasing need for information and cost effective, secure instant communication. Law Enforcement Online is a program that meets these needs.

What is LEO?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is providing a national focal point for Law Enforcement Online communications (LEO). LEO is a national interactive computer communications and information service. LEO is intended to provide a state-of -art communications mechanism to link all levels of Law Enforcement throughout the United States by supporting broad, immediate dissemination of information.

What does LEO do?
LEO provides Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement with a secure, interactive computer communications capability for the sharing of information.

Who can have access?
Only employees of a duly constituted Local, State or Federal Law Enforcement organization.

Access: 

1. Individually, through your employing Law Enforcement organization - by the FBI Police Training Coordinator in your local field office. or 
   
2. Through your membership in a Law Enforcement "Special Interest Group" eg: firearms examiners, bomb techs., laboratory directors, hostage negotiators, etc. - Application should be made through the group's moderator.

What does LEO cost you?
ONLY your computer and modem. (min. 486/33, 8MB,Win3.1, 50MB free, 28.2 Baud, SVGA). Modem access is via "1-800-###-#### assigned. Client/User software provided with installation instructions.

What is a Special interest Group?
A Special Interest Group (SIG) is a segmented / compartment area with controlled access for specialized law enforcement groups. It represents a special discipline area within the Law Enforcement profession and has its own members. The Association of Forearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) is one Sig of approximately twenty in LEO. The AFTE SIG is for Forensic Firearms Examiners.

What does the AFTE SIG contain?

The AFTE SIG contains the following:

• Information Board: Permits user to post timely information and requests for assistance.
• Group Focus Area: Custom web page with subject icons - Firearms, Ammunition, Gunshot Residue, Toolmarks, Lock&Key, Crime Scene, AFTE Journal, AFTE Training Manual, Research Initiatives, Product Warnings/Recalls and positions Available/Sought. These areas will contain reference information (text, graphics, audio and video) submitted by SIG members.
• E-Mail: Provides the capability to send and receive mail/messages electronically between LEO users who have carbon copy attachments and notification of delivery functions on their computers.
• Chat: Provides the capability for real time group discussion (through keyboard) among examiners from different laboratories on case related or AFTE committee work.
• Calendar: Provides for the posting of upcoming dates of interest for conferences, meetings, training courses, and seminars.

How do you apply for LEO Access?

If you qualify for LEO you will need to make application to:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 
Washington, DC 20535

fax. (202) 324-1276

Additional questions should be directed to:

or call (202) 324-3827.