NCJ Number
195075
Date Published
July 2002
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This document reviews the activities of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in 2001.
Abstract
One of the missions of the NIJ is to test research-based interventions to detect the specific nature of crime problems in the community and to develop solutions to these problems. Some of the successful programs tested and evaluated by the NIJ were the Boston Gun Project, which reduced youth gun violence in Boston; and the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT), which produced more negative views about gangs by students and more favorable attitudes toward the police. The NIJ awarded funds to reduce the backlog of DNA samples to assist overburdened laboratories. Research on police interaction with citizens has taken on more importance. In many communities, residents participate in overseeing local law enforcement agencies. NIJ has also provided tools to identify problem behavior in police officers, keep officers and suspects safe, reduce police and corrections officer stress, and police American Indian reservations. NIJ sponsors the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program; refinement of drug detection methods; and the screening of mail packages in prison for the presence of drugs. NIJ has found ways law enforcement and corrections can take advantage of new technology (enhancing communications) while mitigating present and potential obstacles (electronic crime). NIJ released results from the Facial Recognition Vendor Test, an effort to assess facial recognition systems available for purchase. NIJ has helped reduce violence against women and children by promoting ways health care providers can improve admissibility of evidence in court; researching and updating on the “cycle of violence;” and evaluating services for victims, such as STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors). Critical incident and counterterrorism projects at NIJ include weapons of mass destruction, equipment standards, bomb disposal, border security, critical incident management, weapons detection, biometrics, and surveillance. 5 appendixes