The NLEA Officer Experience Survey is a national data collection initiative designed to capture the realities of modern law enforcement directly from those working within it.
While public discussions often focus on external outcomes, there is limited structured data reflecting the internal experiences of officers. This survey is intended to bridge that gap by collecting frontline-informed insight on workload, leadership, organizational conditions, and officer wellbeing.
Purpose of the Survey
The objective of this survey is to establish measurable, repeatable data that reflects how officers experience modern policing at the operational level.
Survey findings will be used to:
- Identify national trends in officer stress, workload, and burnout
- Evaluate leadership and supervisory effectiveness
- Assess organizational factors influencing morale and retention
- Inform future NLEA research, publications, and standards development
This survey represents a foundational component of NLEA’s broader research initiative.
Confidentiality & Independence
Participation in this survey is voluntary and independent.
- Responses are not shared with agencies or departments
- No identifying information is required
- Data is analyzed in aggregate form only
NLEA operates independently of agency command structures, unions, and political organizations. The purpose of this survey is to collect accurate, unbiased information—not to evaluate individual officers or departments.
Who Should Participate
This survey is intended for:
- Active law enforcement officers
- Former officers
- Retired personnel
Participation from a wide range of experience levels and agency types is essential to developing an accurate national perspective.
Why Participation Matters
Law enforcement agencies across the country are experiencing significant challenges related to staffing, workload, and officer wellbeing. While these issues are widely discussed, there is no consistent national dataset capturing the internal factors driving these trends.
Without structured data, policy decisions and organizational changes are often based on incomplete or anecdotal information.
Your input contributes to:
- A more accurate understanding of the profession
- The development of evidence-based standards
- Future research and national-level reporting
Take the Survey
Your experience is a critical component of this research.
Survey takes approximately 2-3 minutes to complete
Take the NLEA Officer Experience Survey
Forward Use of Data
Data collected through this survey will be incorporated into future NLEA publications, including national reports, research briefs, and policy recommendations.
As participation increases, the strength and reliability of findings will improve, allowing for more accurate identification of patterns affecting both officer wellbeing and public safety.