For the 2006 data collection, a master list of law enforcement training academies operating in the United States was compiled from a variety of sources, including professional associations, state law enforcement training organizations, and existing BJS law enforcement data collections. An initial screening verified telephone number, mailing address, and other academy contact information.

The 2006 survey instrument was subsequently mailed to 734 academies. After the initial mailing, 13 additional academies were added, resulting in a total of 747 academies receiving the survey. During the course of survey administration, 99 academies were determined to be out of scope because they did not conduct basic law enforcement training during the study reference period.

Of the 648 academies finally determined to be eligible to receive the survey, all but one responded to all (or nearly all) of the questions. A majority (54.3%) of the responses were received by mail. About a third (34.2%) were submitted electronically through the survey website, and 11.4% were transmitted by fax.