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NIJ's Role
NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based
knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime
and justice, particularly at the State and local levels.
The Office of Science and Technology within NIJ is
the national focal point for research and development
of new technology to support the criminal justice system.
NIJ funds development of technologies to improve the
safety and effectiveness of law enforcement and corrections
professionals. NIJ develops new forensic science technologies
and assists crime laboratories enhance their capacity
to access and use new technology. NIJ also develops
standards and best practices to guide the work of criminal
justice professionals in the use of technology.
Technology research areas include: less lethal weapons,
critical incident prevention and response, interoperable
communications, sensors and surveillance, information
sharing, electronic crime, personnel protection, DNA
forensics, and general forensics. Visit our Technology
Portfolio Areas page for more details.
NIJ strives to ensure that our research portfolio meets
the needs of the field. If you have a research need
that is not being met, let
us know.
| NIJ’s Technology
Development Process |
| Ever wondered how an idea
goes from inside someone’s head to the drawing board
to the street? It’s a long process with many steps
along the way. View NIJ's Technology
Development Process. |
How NIJ Funds Research
NIJ funds technology research and development through
grants, cooperative agreements and other funding mechanisms.
NIJ funding stimulates and directs researchers to develop
technologies and tools to meet the specific needs of
the nation's public safety agencies. (See Technology
Funding for more information.)
Beyond Funding: What NIJ Offers Practitioners,
Researchers, and Policymakers
Assisting agencies with technology goes beyond granting
money to researchers and developers. NIJ also offers
technology related publications--ranging from technical
reports to investigative guides; conferences, workshops,
and training assistance; and direct technology assistance.
Publications and Products. NIJ publishes and
identifies technology related research reports, research
summaries, guides, and other documents for practitioners,
policymakers, and researchers. On the site, you can
browse through an A
- Z listing of these publications or through selected
publication collections.
Conferences, Workshops, and Training Assistance.
NIJ sponsors and hosts events that bring practitioners,
policymakers, and researchers together to learn from
each other and ensure that our projects are on target.
(See Technology
Events) NIJ and NLECTC also offer training
assistance through tools for trainers and other
means.
 Direct
Technology Assistance. NIJ brings information and
technology closer to the frontline through the National
Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
network
of Centers. Centers are located throughout the country
and backed by preeminent research facilities. NLECTC
provides State and local agencies with science and engineering
advice and support to which few agencies would otherwise
have access.
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