Founded in 1994, LGI provides strategic and technical expertise to support the public safety and national security needs of federal, state, and local government agencies.
Early Years (1994-2001)
Commercialization of Defense Products and Services for Law Enforcement
LGI initially supported industry in its efforts to adapt military technologies to the public safety market, helping companies like Oracle, Unisys, and AT&T in technology areas including criminal database systems, land mobile radio, the 3-1-1 non-emergency number, and biometric technology.
Tailoring Federal Programs to Support State & Local Technology Needs
LGI worked directly with federal agencies to support development of technology transfer programs with the state and local public safety communities. Federal clients included the Office for Domestic Preparedness (at that time then part of within the U.S. Department of Justice) and the White House, Office of National Drug Control Policy.
9/11 Era (2002-2007)
Establishing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
LGI supported DHS with the newly transferred Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) beginning in 2003. Using subject matter experts across key areas like interoperability and intelligence fusion, LGI established nationwide technical assistance and training programs in DHS's most critical focus areas.
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (2008-2012)
Expansion of Emergency Communications & Law Enforcement Programs
By 2008, Lafayette Group had significantly broadened its depth and breadth of experience on the interoperability issue through strategic business partnerships for work within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the newly created Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) within DHS. In 2011, the company won a five-year, $47 million single award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Pacific for the advancement of interoperable communications to federal, state, local, tribal, and non-governmental entities for the prevention, response to, and recovery from hazards events.
National Communications Network (2012-2018)
A Federal Broadband System for All Public Safety Agencies
In February 2012, President Obama signed into law an agreement that provided $7 billion and 20 megahertz of radio spectrum to allow for the creation of the first nationwide public safety broadband network. By that time, LGI was already a leader in the field through its support of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), which served as one of the biggest proponents for the broadband network, as well through its support of DHS workshops on broadband for over 45 states. LGI was selected as the primary support contractor to the First Responder Network Authority to assist in supporting engagements with the 56 states and territories.
Emerging National Security Issues (2017-Present)
Creation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
With the emergence of the cybersecurity threat, LGI supported a myriad of DHS offices with strategy, coordination, and outreach efforts. These projects ranged from assisting the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program, developing technical assistance for federal agencies under the Federal Network Resilience (FNR) division, developing a concept of operations for the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), and supporting outreach to state and local election officials through the DHS Election Task Force.
DHS Directed by Congress to Protect Federal, State and Local Agencies & Director of National Intelligence
LGI has supported MCCA for over two decades to develop policy positions and strategies for many of the largest issues facing American law enforcement. Today, these efforts include planning and technical assistance to reduce violent crime in urban areas as well as a counterterrorism project to assist law enforcement’s coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Terrorist Screening Center.
Our Founders
LGI was founded in 1994 by Mr. Scott Green and the Hon. Charles B. Dewitt. Coming from different political parties and backgrounds, the two found a shared mission in connecting the public safety community with much-needed federal support and technology.
For over 25 years, the co-founders steered LGI to become the well-known and highly respected company that it is today. From their work in support of DHS in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to advising America’s largest city police chiefs on strategies ranging from gun violence to immigration, the founders have repeatedly been recognized for their impact on the safety and security of the nation. Through it all they have passed on one central tenet that guides LGI today—do what is right for the men and women of public safety.
Chuck DeWitt
Co-Founder
A former deputy sheriff who studied criminology at Oxford and Cambridge universities, the career of Chuck DeWitt has spanned four decades of public service. A graduate of Stanford University in California, Mr. DeWitt rose from deputy sheriff to Director of the Justice Division for Santa Clara County. Mr. DeWitt left his post in Silicon Valley to become a Fellow at the U.S. Department of Justice in 1984, where he was responsible for corrections and law enforcement programs. He was assigned to the White House in 1989 to investigate terrorist threats and review border security. Mr. DeWitt was then nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S.
Senate to become Director of the National Institute of Justice. Mr. DeWitt developed and authorized many policy and technology projects still underway at the U.S. Department of Justice, ranging from community policing to DNA evidence systems. He approved hundreds of grants to law enforcement agencies to demonstrate innovations in policing that are operational today. Programs to strengthen the nation’s justice system included joint efforts with the FBI, Secret Service and and National Laboratories (through interagency agreements) to to foster new technologies, communications, and information systems.
“We have relied on him for over 20 years, which have been marked by his service, leadership and friendship to each and every one of us…. He has always advocated for our needs and priorities and been a leader on national issues….All of the policies we have released over the last couple of decades have been a result of Chuck’s initiative and guidance. The influence and impact MCCA has today is in large part thanks to Chuck’s work and commitment.”
Art Acevedo, President of MCCA and Police Chief of Houston, TX
Scott Green
Co-Founder
Scott Green’s 40-year career was likewise rooted in public service, but it was his work on the football field as an NFL official (eventually spanning 20 years and three Super Bowls) that led him off Capitol Hill to create Lafayette Group. Mr. Green’s public safety career began as a probation officer during which time he received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Arizona State University. He went on to serve in the San Diego, California, court system, before coming to Washington, D.C., to serve over a decade as a staff assistant to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for then-Senator Joseph Biden. His primary duties with the Senate Judiciary Committee involved issues and legislation impacting public safety services.
During his tenure, Mr. Green was instrumental in writing legislation that focused attention and resources on improvements in public safety technology and communications.
"You know that you’re in trouble when the staff that works with you is as loyal to the constituency that they serve as they are to you. My staff has been that loyal to the police community for a long, long time. They have done an incredible job….The people who have worked with me on this issue have been emotionally invested. Scott Green was emotionally invested. It wasn’t just a job for him; it was an emotional investment….”
President Joseph Biden
