The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) was created by the 70th Texas Legislature to develop the administrative, analytical, and executive skills of current and future law enforcement officials at no cost to either the participant or his/her agency. Public administration, management issues, the political, legal, and social environments of policing, and advanced technical issues are studied in detail. It is the largest and most sophisticated statewide preparation program for police management in the United States. The stated mission of LEMIT is:

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is committed to providing exceptional education, training, research, and service to our customers in the law enforcement community, in order to inspire excellence in leadership and enhance the effective delivery of law enforcement services.

LEMIT initiated its first program in 1989 following many months of intensive planning by both law enforcement managers and leading academic experts in social and governmental issues, management and communications, and criminal justice. In September 1993, the Texas Legislature placed LEMIT under the control of the President of Sam Houston State University and moved the headquarters to Huntsville.

Attendance by qualified law enforcement personnel is fully underwritten through the imposition of surcharges on criminal court costs. Transportation, lodging, and meals for most programs are borne by LEMIT.