NCJ Number
196170
Date Published
October 1998
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This is a report on a strategic planning meeting held to build an agenda on crime and justice research in Indian Country.
Abstract
Representatives from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) discussed their roles in research relevant to Indian communities and the need for such research to involve persons at the local level, both in planning and applying research. Papers presented on the first day of the meeting addressed social and economic links to crime and justice in American Indian communities, research and data collection in Indian Country, substance abuse and crime in Indian Country, sexual assault in Indian Country, issues in conducting research on crime victimization, and juvenile justice detention issues in Indian Country. First-day afternoon discussions began with the full group framing key issues regarding research in Indian Country that can have practical value. The topics were divided into four broad categories: Practical Vision (ways to make research practical for Indian communities); Underlying Contradictions (barriers to effective research to benefit Indian communities); New Directions (ways to enhance research for the benefit of Indian communities); and Strategic Directions (community capacity building, development of communication and education, increasing political clout, and acquiring and using resources creatively). Papers presented on the second day of the meeting covered such topics as an assessment of Indian Country law enforcement agencies, evaluation of the Tribal Strategies Against Violence Initiative, and evaluation of Indian Country Justice Initiative. The afternoon discussion groups focused on ways to implement the four strategic directions derived from the previous day's discussions. Among recommendations for research processes are better methodologies, help for Indian Nations in setting up funding consortiums, establishment of a research clearinghouse, a systematic review of proven activities, and tribally initiated research partnerships. Suggestions are also offered for Federal efforts in research. Activities for tribal communities are outlined as well.