The role of NIJ in research on such topics as drug trafficking and international terrorism and in promoting international information exchanges on criminal justice topics is described.
NIJ's mission is to conduct or support research that is relevant to policy. It has contracts with several countries on drug trafficking research and policy issues and is recognizing that these issues relate directly to terrorism and violence. NIJ is also working to help State and local authorities prevent or respond to terrorist incidents. The Attorney General also is asking Congress for approval for an Office of International Affairs within the United States Department of Justice. This office would ensure that international threats like drug trafficking, money laundering, international organized crime and business fraud, environmental depredations, terrorism, and espionage receive the attention they deserve. Efforts are also underway to improve international legal cooperation in criminal justice matters. NIJ and the FBI have also collaborated on the violent criminal apprehension program (VICAP), a national data center designed to help police identify violent criminals who move from place to place. This type of technology could also be useful internationally to coordinate efforts among nations. White collar crime and organized crime are other high priorities for NIJ.