This article describes the mission and services of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLETC) system, a program of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Office of Science and Technology (OS&T).
NIJ formed the OS&T to identify, develop, and introduce new technologies for the correctional and law enforcement professions. One of the primary mechanisms through which OS&T implements its mission is through the NLETC system, a network of regional and specialty technology centers. This system was created in 1994 to be used as a clearinghouse of information and technology assistance for State and local law enforcement, corrections, and forensics professionals. It also serves as a liaison between the criminal justice community, NIJ, and private industry. Its activities include the identification of equipment and technology requirements, the introduction of promising new technologies, bringing affordable technologies to the criminal justice marketplace, and ensuring that the equipment performs according to the standards required for agency use. Some of the major technological initiatives in which NLECTC has been involved are briefly described.