Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 2001- Directs the Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Affairs, to make a grant annually to the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement (if the Center's Executive Director makes certain certifications) to be used to develop an education and training program for criminal justice or law enforcement agencies in rural areas. Includes among program purposes: (1) the development and delivery of management, forensic, and computer education and training for employees of such agencies; and (2) the delivery of assistance (in a consulting capacity) to criminal justice agencies in the development and coordination of programs, training, and research relating to crime in rural areas.
Permits the Center to use grant funds to enhance the program, including: (1) by providing educational opportunities for rural law enforcement agencies; and (2) through coordination with institutions of higher education to encourage and deliver programs of study with those institutions for employees of such agencies.
Directs the Center to establish eight regional centers comprised of specified States. Requires that all funds for such regional centers be distributed by, and each regional center submit a budget request to, the Center.