American Criminal Justice Association–Lambda Alpha Epsilon

American Criminal Justice Association–Lambda Alpha Epsilon (AJCA-ΛΑΕ) is a coed professional fraternity in the field of criminal justice based in the United States.

History
Lambda Alpha Epsilon held its first meeting in Hayward, California on December 18, 1937. Initially, it was a professional fraternity for those employed in law enforcement. It was essentially a regional organization, with all members and chapters being located in California.

Its first annual convention was held between June 13 and 15, 1938 in Lodi, California. In 1945, membership was open to individuals who worked full-time for enforcement agencies or as instructors in police training courses in state colleges.

When the School of Criminology was established at the University of California, Berkeley in 1950, the group decided to expand its membership to criminal justice students and chartered the ''Epsilon chapter.

In 1952, moved outside of California with the establishment of the Zeta chapter at the University of Indiana. The next year, a chapter for women was established in Sacramento. At the 1957 annual meeting, the fraternity voted to open its membership to all aspects of the criminal justice field.

At the Annual Grand Chapter Business Meeting in 1970 in Anaheim, California, the name was changed from Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Professional Law Enforcement Fraternity to Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Professional Criminal Justice Fraternity. In February 1973, it was proposed that the name be changed to Lambda Alpha Epsilon – American Criminal Justice Association, which was then adopted. The name was adopted later in the year. In 1976, the name was reversed to "American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon."

Symbols and traditions
The fraternity's name was selected for the letters ΛΑΕ which represent the Greek words Lambano (to detect and apprehend), Anakrinen (to adjudicate), and Exorthoun (to rehabilitate).

The Lambda Alpha Epsilon emblem is a hexagon with the Greek letters ΛΑΕ across its center. Below the letters is a spider web that represents "the great complexity of criminal activity". Above the letter are a pair of scales that symbolize justice and a six-pointed star which represents the "light of knowledge".

The ACJA/LAE Journal and the ACJA/LAE National Newsletter are published semiannually.

Activties
AJCA-ΛΑΕ seeks "to improve the administration of criminal justice through educational activities, to foster professionalism within agencies of criminal justice, to encourage better communication and expansion of higher education in the field of criminal justice, and to aid and assist all persons to prevent criminal activity." The fraternity holds a week-long national convention that includes seminars and written, physical, and practical competitions. It also awards annual scholarships to members.

Membership
Membership in AJCA-ΛΑΕ is open to individuals who are committed to the field of criminal justice through their profession or education, those who are retired from a career in criminal justice, or those who volunteer in areas related to the administration of criminal justice. As of 2007, the fraternity has 4,500 active members.

Chapters
As of 2024, there are 69 active chapters of Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Collegiate chapters are located at colleges and universities with criminal justice programs. Professional chapters are located geographically or at an agency for criminal justice professionals.

Following is a list of Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italics.