NIJ Journal Issue No. 264

• NCJ Number: 228381
• Journal: NIJ Journal Issue: 264 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 1-35
• Date Published: November 2009
• Length: 35 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

Six articles present research findings and describe programs funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that have contributed to the goals and objectives of criminal justice.

Abstract

One article describes NamUs, the first national repository for missing persons and unidentified decedent records accessible to law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, coroners, and the public. A second article examines State and Federal laws that authorize the collection of DNA samples from persons who are arrested but have not yet been convicted of a crime, as well as debates and court cases that have ensued from these laws. Another article reports on a study that evaluated the effects of SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) programs in a large Midwestern county on how far sexual assault cases progressed through the criminal justice system during the years before and after the programs started. The study found a statistically significant increase in prosecution rates and convictions after SANE programs started. A fourth article describes the features and potential functions of mobile forensics laboratories that can be delivered to even the remotest areas. A fifth article presents the results of a rigorous evaluation of Chicago's CeaseFire program, which proved to reduce shootings in crime-plagued neighborhoods. A key component of the overall strategy was to use reformed ex-gang members as "violence interrupters" in interacting with gang leaders and members to develop alternatives to gun violence for dealing with conflict. A sixth article contrasts differing theories of trends in terrorist organization, recruitment, and location held by two of the country's leading terrorism experts.