NCJ Number
164496
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) plays an important role in conducting research to support aims of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and in improving law enforcement services to and relations with the Hispanic community.
Abstract
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act authorizes research and evaluation initiatives that encompass the hiring of 100,000 additional police officers, community policing, police research, and policing innovations. The act also recognizes the effect of crime on minority communities, and community policing is designed to change the structure, management, and philosophy of police departments to make them more responsive to cultural needs. The NIJ sponsors evaluation research to determine whether programs carried out under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act in such areas as community policing are effective. The underrepresentation of Hispanics in Federal, State, and local law enforcement positions is considered, and locally initiated crime research projects are noted. The link between improved police-community relations and the willingness of citizens to report crime victimization is discussed. Needs of the Hispanic community are examined in the context of crime victimization. 21 notes