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DOJ Press Release letterhead

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  • Friday, March 4, 2011
  • Contact: Office of Justice Programs
  • Telephone: (202) 307-0703
  • ojp.gov

Weekly News Brief

Latest Issue of National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Journal Available Online?Issue #267 of the NIJ Journal was posted this week. The cover story discusses less-lethal alternatives, such as energy devices (e.g., Tasers), in use of force situations. The Journal also looks at a method of DNA analysis that may extend the timeline for collecting evidence in sexual assaults; equipment for protecting law enforcement officers from chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological threats; and methods for predicting crime "hot spots." The NIJ Journal, published several times a year, presents research-based information that can help inform policy decisions and improve understanding of the criminal justice system.

Registration Opens for National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Prelude Events?Individuals interested in attending the National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony on Thursday, April 7, and the National Crime Victims? Service Awards Recognition Ceremony on Friday, April 8, may register online. Both events are free and open to the public and will be held in Washington, D.C., as a prelude to National Crime Victims? Rights Week, April 10-16. The theme for 2011 ? "Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past" ? acknowledges the contributions of victim service providers to meeting tomorrow?s public safety challenges and pays tribute to our nation?s crime victims. Details about observances across the country are available at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/index.html. Registration for the prelude events is at http://www.ncvrw.org.

National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony
Thursday, April 7, 2011
6:30 p.m. ? 7:30 p.m.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Judy Shepard, mother of Hate Crime victim, President and Co-founder of Matthew Shepard Foundation, will be the featured speaker. Judy and Dennis Shepard, along with the family of James Byrd, Jr., received a "Special Awards for Courageous Response to Hate Crime" at the 2000 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Ceremony.

National Crime Victims? Service Awards Recognition Ceremony
Friday, April 8, 2011
Time and location details to be announced soon.

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