Here’s a snapshot of what you helped make possible this year:

Op-eds & Media Impact

• Our spokespeople were published or quoted in over 50 media outlets, including MSNBC, The Hill, FOX59, Reason, The Albany Times-Union, The Nevada Independent, and NBC News.
  
  

• These pieces amplified LEAP’s stance on issues like overdose prevention, parole reform, psychedelics-assisted therapies, and the dangers of the FDA's proposed menthol ban.

Legislative Victories & Testimonies

• LEAP submitted testimony or letters of support for over 35 bills across 16 states, pushing for common-sense reforms around pretextual stops, mandatory minimums, drug decriminalization, harm reduction, juvenile justice, and immigrant trust.
  
  

• We were proud to contribute expert insight on legislation in Colorado, Maryland, Hawaii, California, New York, Texas, Washington, and more—including national support for sentencing reforms before the U.S. Sentencing Commission. 

Community Responder Momentum

• LEAP provided technical assistance, data analysis, and training to cities launching or expanding civilian responder programs, including Rochester (NY) and Urbana (IL).
  
  

• Staff presented at major national webinars and coalition briefings, and facilitated panels reinforcing that safety doesn’t always require a badge and a gun.

Mental Health & Psychedelic Reform

• Our experts advocated for increased access to psychedelics-assisted therapy for veterans, first responders, and others facing mental health challenges—resulting in legislation introduced in Nevada, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and New Hampshire.
  
  

• We connected personal experiences in law enforcement with the need for innovative, compassionate mental health solutions.

National & International Leadership

• Our speakers and staff participated in panels, rallies, and briefings from Capitol Hill to Helsinki.
  
  

• LEAP representatives helped shape international drug reform discussions, educated policymakers on safer supervision, and spoke out against policies that threaten public trust and safety.

Standing Up for Justice

• LEAP signed on to key national letters, including support for whistleblower protections and opposition to federal efforts that would punish sanctuary cities.

• We stood up for justice across the country and around the world—supporting federal cannabis legalization, advocating against the HALT Fentanyl Act, and sharing our vision internationally for ending drug prohibition and improving public safety.

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) calls for greater investment in community-based solutions—from violence prevention to reentry support. Read her op-ed to see why these programs are essential for safer, healthier communities.

LEAP’s Eric E. Sterling (Fmr. Assistant Counsel) testified before the U.S. Sentencing Commission on proposed reforms to federal guidelines for supervised release and drug offenses. Learn why these changes matter.

Watch LEAP Board Member Kristin Daley in The Just Trust’s “You’ve Got Options” series as she shares how we’re rethinking public safety with community responder programs.

Catch Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) on Instagram Live as she opens up about her law enforcement career, the trauma faced by officers, and how emerging psychedelics therapies could help address the mental health crisis in policing.

Read LEAP Board Member Tom Schoolcraft’s op-ed on why breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality in prisons is key to safer facilities, less burnout, and true rehabilitation.