National Institute of Justice

NIJ Research Report Digest, Issue 5

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:35:55 -0400

This issue includes reports based on NIJ-funded research that were added to the NCJRS Abstracts Database from July through September 2011.

Current Forensic Research Seminar Series: Microbial DNA & Population Genetics in Forensic Sciences

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:19:33 -0400

NIJ's Forensic Technology Center of Excellence is offering a series of live events to showcase current Research & Development (R&D) projects within the forensic science community. The fourth event in this series will focus on the development and validation of standard operating procedures for measuring microbial populations for estimating postmortem intervals and population genetic issues for forensic DNA profiles. This event will feature two authors who are conducting research supported by the NIJ and are experts in their forensic fields. The event will run for approximately 60 minutes, with time allotted for questions from event attendees.

Effects of Human Factors on the Accuracy of Fingerprint Evidence

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:06:30 -0400

In recent years, the accuracy of latent print identification has been the subject of increased scrutiny. To help address this issue, the National Institute of Justice and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) convened an expert working group to do a scientific assessment of the effects of human factors on forensic latent print analysis and to develop recommendations to reduce the risk of error.

The working group addressed issues ranging from the acquisition of impressions of friction ridge skin to courtroom testimony, and from laboratory design and equipment to emerging methods for associating latent prints with exemplars. In addition to a comprehensive discussion of how human factors relate to all aspects of latent print examinations -- including communicating conclusions through reports and testimony -- the report offers specific recommendations to improve the understanding and management of human-factors issues in fingerprint analysis.

Monitoring High-Risk Sex Offenders With GPS Technology: An Evaluation of the California Supervision Program, Final Report (pdf, 114 pages)

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:26:23 -0400

Monitoring High-Risk Sex Offenders With GPS Technology: An Evaluation of the California Supervision Program, Final Report (pdf, 114 pages)

The purpose of this evaluation is to determine the effectiveness of the global positioning system (GPS) monitoring of high-risk sex offenders (HRSOs) who are placed on parole. Specifically, the goals and objectives of this study are to:

Assess the fidelity of the program.
Assess the cost of the GPS program.
Assess the effectiveness of the GPS program in reducing the criminal behavior of HRSO parolees.

Findings from the evaluation showed that:

The GPS program was implemented with a high degree of fidelity.
The subjects in the GPS group demonstrate significantly better outcomes of terms of both compliance and recidivism.
The cost of GPS program is roughly $8.51 per day per parolee more expensive than traditional supervision. However, the outcome results favored the GPS group in terms of both compliance and recidivism. In other words, the GPS monitoring program is more expensive but more effective.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Protecting Our Protectors: Using Science to Improve Officer Safety and Wellness Brochure

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:00:16 -0400

At the National Institute of Justice, we believe science can help save lives, ensure justice and save money.

This pamphlet contains a sampling of how NIJ-funded research can be used to increase officer safety and wellness. Visit our website, NIJ.gov, to learn more about our entire body of work on officer safety and wellness.

The Effectiveness of Coordinated Outreach in Intimate Partner Violence Cases: A Randomized, Longitudinal Design (pdf, 142 pages)

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:58:38 -0400

This study tested the prediction that early coordinated victim outreach would improve criminal justice outcomes as well as increase victim safety and empowerment among victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). In collaboration with research, criminal justice, and community-based partners, the project evaluated an innovative outreach program for racially and ethnically diverse IPV victims whose cases had come to the attention of the criminal justice system.

Although there were no effects of outreach on revictimization or social support levels, women randomly assigned to outreach reported greater readiness to leave the abuser than women assigned to treatment-as-usual. Further, the use of a geographic information system (GIS) revealed spatial patterns to key variables, such as aggression and posttraumatic responses. Women who anticipated problems going to court due to travel-related barriers (e.g., problems parking, taking the bus, etc.) were less likely to go to court when asked to go. Thus, this research highlights potential ways to think about and use spatial data in victim-focused research.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Detecting Buried Remains Using Ground-Penetrating Radar (pdf, 235 pages)

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:56:40 -0400

Geophysical techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), have been successfully used by law enforcement agencies to locate graves and forensic evidence. However, more controlled research is needed to better understand the applicability of this technology when searching for clandestine graves in various environments and soil types. The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability of GPR for detecting controlled graves. The goals and objectives of this project included the following:

Provide basic guidelines for forensic investigators for buried body searches involving the use of GPR and electromagnetic induction (EMI).
Document the changes in GPR imagery characteristics of bodies buried in a Spodosol soil which result from decomposition and subsequent compaction of the backfill for a period of 30 months.
Determine how different burial scenarios (e.g., wrapping the carcass and placing items over the carcass in the grave) are factors in producing a distinctive anomalous response.
Determine how advanced GPR 3-D modeling postprocessing software can provide increased visibility of the burials.
Compare GPR imagery data between the 500 MHz and 250 MHz antennae.
Document the changes in apparent conductivity, expressed on a conductivity map, from bodies buried in a Spodosol soil which result from decomposition and subsequent compaction of the backfill for a 24 month time period.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Use of Force and Conducted Energy Devices

Mon, 7 May 2012 12:50:54 -0400

Geoffrey P. Alpert, Professor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina
Dr. Alpert discusses police use of force and conducted energy devices. Segments include:

What Is Use of Force?
Proper Use of CEDs
Training Is Key to Knowing When to Use a CED
Lessons for Law Enforcement Executives About Use of Force

Addiction, the Brain, and Evidence-Based Treatment

Mon, 7 May 2012 12:49:41 -0400

NIJ Research for the Real World Seminar
Redonna K. Chandler, Ph.D.Chief, Services Research Branch, Division of Epidemiology, Services, and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse
The criminal justice system encounters and supervises a large number of drug abusing persons. Punishment alone is a futile and ineffective response to the problem of drug abuse. Addiction is a chronic brain disease with a strong genetic component that in most instances requires treatment. Involvement in the criminal justice system provides a unique opportunity to treat drug abuse disorders and related health conditions, thereby improving public health and safety. This presentation highlights the following: 1) the neuro-biology of addiction; 2) evidence-based principles of addiction treatment; and 3) research efforts underway at the National Institute on Drug Abuse to expand knowledge on effectively addressing drug abuse in the criminal justice system.
We also captured an interview with Dr. Chandler .

Shifts, Extended Work Hours, and Fatigue: An Assessment of Health and Personal Risks for Police Officers (pdf, 64 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:27:59 -0400

The physical health, psychological well-being, safety and efficiency at work are important factors for any police agency to consider. When one considers the monetary and human costs of fatigued officers, it is essential to promote scientific awareness and subsequent plausible interventions. The rate of officers dying from health related problems and accidents for example have surpassed the rate of officers dying from homicide. Fatigued or tired police officers are also a danger to themselves as well as the public they serve. Little is known of the long term impact of shift work and extended work hours on police officers, and no direct scientifically rigorous exposure assessment of shift work has yet been done. The goal of this investigation was to examine police officer exposure to shift work and the association of such exposure with adverse health and psychological outcomes.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Improving 21st Century Policing Through Priority Research: The IACP's National Law Enforcement Research Agenda (pdf, 32 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:27:47 -0400

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Comparing Safety Outcomes in Police Use-Of-Force Cases for Law Enforcement Agencies That Have Deployed Conducted Energy Devices and A Matched Comparison Group That Have Not: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation (pdf, 101 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:27:33 -0400

Hw law enforcement agencies (LEAs) manage the use-of-force by officers is perhaps one of the most important tasks that they will undertake. One weapon that has been advanced as a way to reduce injuries for officers and suspects is the Conducted Energy Device (CED). The purpose of our project, conducted from late 2006 to 2008, was to produce scientifically valid results that will inform LEA executives’ decisions regarding CED use. The goal of our study was to produce practical information that can help LEAs establish guidelines that assist in the effective design of CED deployment programs that support increased safety for officers and citizens. We conducted one of the first quasi-experiments to compare LEAs with CED deployment (n=7) to a set of matched LEAs (n=6) that do not deploy CEDs on a variety of safety outcomes, controlling for a variety of incident factors (force used by officer, time frame of incident, suspect race/gender/age, suspect resistant behavior, and suspect weapon use) and agency-level factors (agency policy on CEDs, size/density of LEA, and population density for jurisdiction). For the LEAs that deployed CEDs, we collected two years of data before CED deployment and two years of data after CED deployment. For the non-CED sites, we collected four years of data over a similar period.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Law Enforcement Research Priorities for 2010 and Beyond: Results of the IACP Membership Survey and Focus Group 2009-2010 (pdf, 30 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:27:12 -0400

In late 2009, the RAC and the IACP Research Center, with funding support from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), conducted a second national survey of law enforcement leaders. The survey asked these leaders about the types of research they find most useful, their current and past participation in research endeavors, and their law enforcement research priorities. This 2009 survey was designed to build on previous survey findings that shaped the earlier National Law Enforcement Research Agenda (NLERA).

This report describes the 2009 survey methodology, provides a summary of findings, outlines views of the focus group assembled by the IACP in February 2010 to discuss the survey results, and offers twelve strategies that law enforcement leaders, researchers, the IACP and other professional organizations and funders can employ to improve the quality, quantity, and usability of law enforcement research in areas prioritized by the NLERA.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Negotiated Justice? The Legal, Administrative, and Policy Implications of 'Pattern or Practice' Police Misconduct Reform (pdf, 444 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:26:51 -0400

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Sex Offenders: Recidivism and Collateral Consequences (pdf, 93 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:26:37 -0400

This report examines the efficacy of sex offender registration and notification (SORN) through its influence on sex offender recidivism and collateral consequences. The first study examines the recidivism rates of two samples of sex offenders, those released prior to SORN and a sample released under SORN in New Jersey. It asks whether or not there are distinct risk profiles among sex offenders with regard to their recidivism trajectories, and if these profiles are similar or different for sex offenders pre- and post- SORN. Additional analyses also include an examination of the influence of demographics, substance abuse, mental health issues, treatment history, sex offense incident characteristics, and criminal history on recidivism trajectories. The second study looks at whether the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post-SORN sex offenders are similar to or different from the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post- SORN non-sex offenders who are released from prison via parole. It also specifically focuses on whether or not a series of collateral consequences are experienced similarly or differently among these post-SORN sex and post-SORN non-sex offender parolees.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Prison Experience and Reentry: Examining the Impact of Victimization on Coming Home (pdf, 175 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:26:24 -0400

With the adoption of the Prison Rape Elimination Act in 2003, institutions around the country began developing policies and procedures related to the detection, prevention, and elimination of sexual victimization in prison. The research, however, was in its infancy and little was known regarding the context, severity, and impact of victimization on a variety of outcomes. This study explored the impact of emotional, physical, and/or sexual victimization on inmates who were returning to the community. Few, if any studies have explored the additive effect victimization may have on an already difficult transition period for offenders. The study hypothesized that victimization intensified mental health problems and criminal behavior. Recently released prisoners from twenty-two halfway houses and prisons in Ohio, were selected for this study. Standardized instruments were utilized to assess the inmates’ psychological status in various areas, including but not limited to post-traumatic cognitions, depression, anxiety, social support, coping, and criminality. The final analysis compared recidivism rates between those who report having been victimized and those who have reported not being victimization.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Re-entry: Dynamic Risk Assessment (pdf, 129 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:26:11 -0400

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate recidivism as a process, focusing on the ability of dynamic factors to predict release performance. This project aimed to provide an initial step towards providing supervising staff with the tools to make meaningful assessments of a change in risk and hence change in likelihood to re-offend. Thus, this project emphasized reentry as a dynamic process rather than an event (crime / no crime).

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Classifying Adult Probationers by Forecasting Future Offending (pdf, 64 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:25:33 -0400

The project principally focused upon creating a risk prediction tool within a partnership between University-based researchers and Philadelphia’s Adult Probation and Parole Department (APPD). This report details the model building process, including an explanation of the random forest procedures, and sets out the issues in data management and in policy considerations that are associated with creating a prediction tool. The importance of developing strong researcher-practitioner partnerships, especially with regard to tailoring the prediction tool to real-world concerns, is also considered.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Semi-Automated Processing and Incorporation of 3D Geo-Coding Extensions to Commercial Buildings for Emergency Response Applications (pdf, 10 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:07:16 -0400

In this paper, we describe new automation tools to process 2D building geometry data, in order to facilitate emergency response to critical events in commercial buildings. Given the scale and complexity of commercial buildings, such tools are essential for effective response and communication during an emergency. Starting from CAD building files, our data processing pipeline consists of 3 major components, (1) build the adjacency graph that represents spatial relationships within a building (between hallways, ofces, stairways, elevators, etc), (2) identify elements involved in evacuation routes (hallways, stairways), (3) construct the 3D building graph by connecting the oor elements via stairways and elevators. Our methods have been applied a number of buildings on the campus of UNC Charlotte. To date, 21 academic buildings have been processed using our tools. We demonstrate and results and visual analysis on using these tools on two of the processed buildings and compare these to traditional manual processing. We also demonstrate some preliminary work on integrating an evacuation model into our system, as well as extensions of our system to a mobile platform.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

A New Mathematical Approach to Geographic Profiling (pdf, 96 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:06:34 -0400

The primary question in geographic profiling is, given the locations of a series of crimes committed by the same serial offender, to estimate the location of that offender’s anchor point. Currently, there are three main approaches to the problem, exemplified by the three software systems- CrimeStat, Dragnet, and Rigel. Though the details of the approaches taken by these software packages differ, they share a common mathematical heritage.

In our work, we developed an fundamentally new mathematical framework for the geographic profiling problem

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Investigating the Simultaneous Effects of Individual, Program and Neighborhood Attributes on Juvenile Recidivism Using GIS and Spatial Data Mining (pdf, 253 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 09:06:15 -0400

The primary goal of this project was to develop, apply, and evaluate improved techniques to investigate the simultaneous effects of neighborhood and program forces in preventing juvenile recidivism.
The project applies spatial data mining to the analysis of adjudicated juvenile delinquents assigned to court‐ordered programs by the Family Court of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Improve the NIBIN System by Providing Examiners a Capability to Match Infrared Images of Firing Pin Impressions and Deformed Bullets as well as Accurate Large Database Searches (pdf, 77 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:52:08 -0400

This grant effort was focused on improving the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) System by providing examiners with advanced capabilities to:

identify cartridge casings by using infrared (IR) images of firing pin impressions (FPI),
identify bullets by using IR images of land impressions
perform accurate high-speed search of a large database to identify fired cartridge casings.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Criminal Justice Interventions for Offenders with Mental Illness: Evaluation of Mental Health Courts in Bronx and Brooklyn

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:50:40 -0400

This study identifies characteristics of the Bronx and Brooklyn Mental Health Courts (MHCs) that may contribute to participants’ criminal justice outcomes, compared to those of other offenders with mental health disorders. The goal of the current study is to determine if participation in mental health court reduces subsequent criminal justice involvement namely, recidivism as measured by new arrests and new convictions.

Findings from the study indicate that mental health court participants are significantly less likely to recidivate, as compared to similar offenders with mental illness who experience business-as-usual court processing, although the extent of the impact differs across the two programs and there are several important limitations that should be considered in interpreting these results noted in the report by the authors.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Prisoner Reentry Services: What Worked for SVORI Evaluation Participants? (pdf, 560 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:49:49 -0400

This report presents the results from a secondary analysis of data collected for a large multi-site evaluation of state and local reentry initiatives, the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI). SVORI funded 69 agencies in 2003 to develop programs to improve criminal justice, employment, education, health, and housing outcomes for released prisoners.

Many of the specific services had no effect on housing, employment, substance use, or recidivism outcomes and in some cases the effect was actually deleterious rather than beneficial. There were significant effects of SVORI program participation on arrests following release, with SVORI program participation associated with a 14% reduction in arrests for the adult men, 48% reduction for the adult females, and 25% reduction for the juvenile males over the fixed follow-up periods.

The results suggest the need for additional research into the sequencing and effects of specific and combinations of reentry services, with an understanding that some programs may be harmful if delivered at the wrong time or in the wrong way. The results also suggest that follow-up periods longer than 2 years may be necessary to observe positive effects on criminal behavior and criminal justice system interaction, as the strong effects observed at 56 months were not observed at 24 months after release when nonsignificant positive effects were observed.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Evaluating Fingermark Recovery Methods using Cyanoacrylate (pdf, 32 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:47:32 -0400

There are many existing methods for evolving and visualizing fingermarks with cyanoacrylate (CA). This research is directed to produce methods to enhance fingermark recovery. The research evaluated five such methods, each designed to either increase the ease of fingermark development or increase the sensitivity of the fingermark development process:

The first method explored was the development of sublimation based copolymerized coloring.
The second method explored was the modification of evidence temperature.
The third method explored was the use infrared detection.
The fourth aspect of the research was to find a way to disperse nano-particles onto CA prints.
The final aspect of the research was to develop a commercially viable temperature and humidity controlled chamber to chill the evidence and allow for standard fuming.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

A Multi-city Assessment of Juvenile Delinquency in the U.S.: A Continuation and Expansion of the International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD) (pdf, 103 pages)

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:43:27 -0400

This study builds and expands upon the experiences of the first large scale International Self-Report Delinquency Study (on the prevalence, incidence and correlates of youth crime conducted in 1991-1992 in 12 European countries and the U.S. The current study is a part of an international collaborative effort to repeat the original study in more than 30 countries, including the United States, in 2006-2008.

This report presents findings from the NIJ-funded U.S. portion of the second study. Observations are documented that explore both attitudinal and behavioral (victimization and offense prevalence) measures across gender, grade level, city size and school type.

This report is the result of a NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Forensic Research and Development Online Seminar Series

Mon, 7 May 2012 08:24:16 -0400

We invite you to join us for a new online seminar series that will showcase forensic science research and development. This series is presented by NIJ and our Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Upcoming seminars:

The Science of Identifying Ancestry and Origin: Part II
Research in Mass Disaster Identification Tools

Missed a seminar? Don't worry. Each seminar also will be recorded and posted.

Addiction, the Brain, and Evidence Based Treatment; Interview with Redonna K. Chandler, Ph.D.

Tue, 1 May 2012 09:25:53 -0400

Topics include What is Addiction? The Relationship Between Drugs and Crime, and Drug Abuse as a Chronic Condition

Use of Force and Conducted Energy Devices, interview with Geoffrey P. Alpert, Ph.D.

Tue, 1 May 2012 09:14:42 -0400

Geoffrey Alpert discusses use of force and conducted energy devices. Topics include: What Is Use of Force?, Proper Use of CEDs, Training Is Key to Knowing When to Use a CED, Lessons for Law Enforcement Executives About Use of Force

NIJ Solicitation FAQs

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:00:57 -0400

NIJ posts on this page links to questions and answers related to specific solicitations. Select a solicitation title below to view associated questions and answers.

Addiction, the Brain, and Evidence Based Treatment - recorded seminar

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:33:24 -0400

The criminal justice system encounters and supervises a large number of drug abusing persons. Punishment alone is a futile and ineffective response to the problem of drug abuse. Addiction is a chronic brain disease with a strong genetic component that in most instances requires treatment. Involvement in the criminal justice system provides a unique opportunity to treat drug abuse disorders and related health conditions, thereby improving public health and safety. This presentation highlights the following: 1) the neuro-biology of addiction; 2) evidence-based principles of addiction treatment; and 3) research efforts underway at the National Institute on Drug Abuse to expand knowledge on effectively addressing drug abuse in the criminal justice system.

NIJ working on guide for body armor measurement and fitting

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:27:50 -0400

Proper fitting of body armor is necessary to obtain sufficient coverage of the torso and vital organs while allowing the range of motion required for officer operations. Additionally, it is believed that many of the issues related to comfort can be addressed by properly measuring the wearer and custom fitting the armor.

Research on intimate partner stalking

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Research shows that partner stalking is a relatively common form of violence against women, and to a lesser degree men.

The criminal justice systems response to intimate partner stalking

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:37:13 -0400

Learn about data on reporting partner stalking to the police, police identification of partner stalking and the prosecution of partner stalking cases.

Intimate partner stalking risk assessment

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:36:43 -0400

Although there are limited risk assessments focused on partner stalking, a few research trends in risk assessment may be important.

Impact of intimate partner stalking on children, friends and family

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:36:05 -0400

Intimate partner stalking can be affected by and have an effect on children, friends and family.

The average duration of partner stalking appears to be just over two years.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

The average duration of partner stalking appears to be just over two years. The vast majority of partner stalking victims report the stalking began while the relationship was intact and escalated during periods of separation.
Further partner stalking victims report separating more frequently in the past compared to partner violence victims who were not stalked. Once a protective order is obtained, stalking victims are are less likely to reconcile.

Stalkers vary considerably in the types and frequency of stalking tactics.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Stalkers vary considerably in the types and frequency of stalking tactics. Learn more about the most common stalking tactics and cyber-stalking and the use of in partner stalking

Comparing the danger posed by partner stalkers versus non-partner stalkers.

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

When examining dangerousness and characteristics of partner stalking, it is important to compare differences between partner stalkers and non-partner stalkers such as acquaintances and strangers.

Comparing abusive partners who do and do not stalk

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

When comparing the dangerousness and characteristics of partner stalking, it is important to examine differences between abusive partners who stalk and abusive partners who do not stalk.

Fear, psychological distress and health impacts caused by intimate partner stalking

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Partner stalking victims have higher levels of fear and distress, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms. Several studies indicate that partner stalking independently contributes to victim fear and distress.

Economic harm caused by intimate partner stalking

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0400

Learn about economic harm to intimate partner stalking victims and the costs to society of intimate partner stalking

Latent Print Examiner Training Program

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:36:17 -0400

The National Forensic Science Technology Center, with funding from NIJ, is once again providing Latent Print Examiner Training at no cost to eligible applicants. The program will lead entry-level latent print examiner trainees through a series of course offerings designed to meet the International Association for Identification (IAI) certification requirement for technical training. The Latent Print Examiner Training Program consists of 11 courses offered in 5 two-week instructional sessions at NFSTC’s training facilities in Largo, Florida. Participants will be required to complete online coursework, assignments, assessments and practical exercises between onsite sessions.

Forensic Education for Law Enforcement Decisionmakers -- Free, self-paced online training!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:33:11 -0400

The objectives of the course are to educate senior-level law enforcement decisionmakers on the policy and practice issues associated with the effective use of DNA analysis.

Evaluability Assessment of Law Enforcement Agencies Using the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS)

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:20:13 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct an evaluability assessment of the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) model, which integrates location-based crime and traffic crash data to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources. This research seeks to improve law enforcement operations implemented to reduce crime, traffic crashes, and traffic violations as well as improve public safety.
Application Deadline: June 8, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Evaluability Assessments of the Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) Model

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:18:39 -0400

As part of a collaborative effort with the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), NIJ seeks proposals to conduct an evaluability assessment of up to five sites that are implementing the Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) model. Results from the evaluability assessments may become a precursor to further research and program development work, lay possible groundwork for other targeted research, and assist with the coordination of extramural and intramural research and evaluation efforts sponsored by NIJ and partnering agencies.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Evaluation of the FY 2011 Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:17:27 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals to examine the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Second Chance Act (SCA) adult offender reentry demonstration projects funded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. The specific focus areas under this solicitation include: (1) an evaluability assessment of eight adult offender reentry demonstration projects (anticipates one award of up to $400,000) and; (2) a comprehensive evaluation of eight adult offender reentry demonstration projects (anticipates one award of up to $3 million). Application titles should clearly indicate the focus area. Applicants may submit to either or both focus areas.
Application Deadline: June 11, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Evaluation of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention FY 2010 Second Chance Act Juvenile Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:59:29 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for a comprehensive evaluation of up to five juvenile offender demonstration projects funded under the Second Chance Act of 2007. This solicitation seeks to award a grant to measure the processes, outcomes, costs, and impacts of the juvenile offender reentry programs that received funding in FY 2010 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), and to assess the effectiveness of the Second Chance Act in reducing recidivism among juvenile offenders.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Evaluation of the Implementation of the Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS)

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:58:33 -0400

As part of a collaborative effort with the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART), NIJ seeks proposals for conducting an evaluation of the implementation of the Sex Offender Treatment Intervention and Progress Scale (SOTIPS). Developed by the state of Vermont, SOTIPS combines static and dynamic risk measures into an overall assessment tool to predict sexual recidivism. It was hypothesized that SOTIPS, used in conjunction with the Static-99R, would better predict sexual recidivism than either type of measure (static or dynamic) alone.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Research and Evaluation on Metropolitan Crime

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:57:01 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct research on metropolitan, urban, and suburban crime in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with over 2 million people. This research seeks to improve law enforcement policies and operations, municipal service delivery targeting quality-of-life issues, and overall public safety.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:56:26 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for funding to: (1) assist eligible entities in performing DNA analysis on unidentified human remains and/or reference samples to support the efforts of States and units of local government to identify missing persons, (2) enter the resulting DNA profiles into the FBI’s National DNA Index System using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) version 7.0, and (3) enter any relevant case information related to unidentified remains into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), as deemed appropriate by the submitting agency (if a case is not entered a justification will be required).
Application Deadline: May 29, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Evaluation of the Office for Victims of Crime Wraparound Victim Legal Assistance Network Demonstration Project

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:54:58 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals to evaluate the first phase of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Wraparound Victim Legal Assistance Network Demonstration Project (see www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/pdftxt/FY2012_WraparoundVictimLegalAssistance.pdf). The OVC Wraparound Victim Legal Assistance Network Project will fund up to six demonstration sites to develop holistic models for wraparound pro bono legal assistance networks that offer the wide range of legal assistance that victims need in the wake of their victimization.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Research on Domestic Radicalization

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:53:41 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for funding research to support Federal, State, local, and tribal criminal justice agencies in meeting the challenges posed by domestic radicalization to violence. Proposals should develop and analyze information and data that have clear implications for criminal justice in the following focus areas: (1) Empirical Evaluation of Theories of Domestic Radicalization; (2) Examination of Radicalization Processes for Individuals; (3) Comparative Analysis of Violent Extremists, Organized Criminals, Gangs, Hate Groups and/or Cults; and (4) Influence of Community and Other Policing Strategies on Domestic Radicalization to Violence.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:42:24 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, which awards grants to States and units of local government to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel. State Administering Agencies may apply for both “base” (formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government may apply for competitive funds.
Application Deadline: May 4, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Predicting Trouble Spots Within Prisons

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:49:42 -0400

NIJ-funded researchers are developing the Correctional Operational Trend Analysis System (COTAS) to predict potential trouble spots within prisons. Knowing ahead of time where trouble might arise lets managers assign extra staff or take other actions that can prevent violence and other problems.

Detecting Drugs on Surfaces Quickly and Easily

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:48:44 -0400

Corrections officers would benefit from a technology that could immediately identify the presence of an illegal substance; several aerosol products are currently on the market.

Standards and Testing for Offender Tracking Technologies

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:47:05 -0400

NIJ is developing standards and testing protocols for offender tracking devices. A Special Technical Committee is helping NIJ accomplish the task. Three products will be produced: 1) the standard, 2) the conformity and assessment requirements, and 3) a selection and application guide.

Evaluating a Location-Based Offender Monitoring System

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:20:15 -0400

Managing offenders within the community requires knowing what inmates are doing at all times. Technology can help.

NIJ and Australia to Collaborate on Forensics - NIJ Director's Corner

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:17:45 -0400

Recently, I traveled to the Australian Embassy here in D.C. to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Australia-New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA). The agreement provides for more than just knowledge-sharing on how the forensic sciences are used in criminal justice.

Study Raises Questions About Psychological Effects of Solitary Confinement - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:55:53 -0400

An NIJ-funded study assessed the psychological effects of solitary confinement in the Colorado prison system. Researchers found that the mental health of most inmates, including those in solitary confinement, did not decline over the course of the one-year study. Previous studies of administrative segregation (AS) and its psychological effects have produced mixed results. Some characterize it as damaging to the psychological health of prisoners, whereas others have found little evidence of harm. This study adds to the knowledge base, but it does not resolve debates about the use of solitary confinement.

Solving Crime Problems With Research - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:54:25 -0400

In Brief: Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:54:07 -0400

NIJ's free online course "Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert" is designed to help forensic experts who conduct testing and analysis for criminal cases prepare to give testimony in court on the results of the testing. Although the course was created with forensic experts in mind, it can be helpful to any witness who has limited experience testifying in court.

Improving Access to Services for Female Offenders Returning to the Community - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:53:41 -0400

Women returning to the community after serving time in prison have extremely high levels of need for re-entry services. An evaluation of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) showed that increasing access to services can lead to modest improvements in key areas, particularly employment and substance abuse.

HOPE: A Swift and Certain Process for Probationers - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:53:11 -0400

Rigorous evaluations have found Hawaii's innovative HOPE probation program to be more successful at reducing recidivism than standard probation models. NIJ and the Bureau of Justice Assistance are collaborating on a multisite field experiment to find out if it can be implemented in other jurisdictions. If the HOPE model can be successfully applied at other sites, the benefits of the program could become widespread.

Being Smart on Crime With Evidence-based Policing - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:52:51 -0400

Chief Jim Bueermann (Ret.) reflects on how law enforcement agencies can do a better job of using science to reduce crime by adopting evidence-based policing as a standard practice and partnering with universities or colleges. Evidence-based policing leverages the country's investment in police and criminal justice research to help develop, implement and evaluate proactive crime-fighting strategies, which may prove more effective and less expensive than the traditional response-driven models.

Applying Carbon-14 Dating to Recent Human Remains - NIJ Journal

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:52:06 -0400

Traditional radiocarbon dating is applied to organic remains between 500 and 50,000 years old. Now, forensic scientists have started to apply carbon-14 dating to cases involving recent human remains. Measuring carbon-14 levels in human tissue could help forensic scientists determine age and year of death in cases involving unidentified remains.

Digital Evidence: New Course Dates Added, Register Now

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:51:28 -0400

Additional course dates have been added for the courses Computer Forensic Investigative Training and Digital Evidence Collection Training.

Training for Defense Attorneys on the Essentials of Forensic Science

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:50:44 -0400

Defense attorneys now can register for the new course Essentials of Forensic Science for Legal Professionals. This training, funded by NIJ and offered by West Virginia University, is free to practicing defense attorneys who work for a state or county agency and will take place May 2-3, 2012, in Orlando, Fla.
The two day program will provide the basic precepts of forensic science training and supply the tools to effectively apply this information for trial. Attendees will also be given information on evaluating the scientific rigor of expert testimony and the reliability of forensic evidence. Members of academia, scientists, and attorneys will instruct and apply practical examples to the content presented.

NIJ Standard for Bomb Suits

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:59:38 -0400

NIJ has released a Standard and a Certification Program Requirements document for bomb suits.
Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard, NIJ Standard-0117.00 was developed by practitioners, technical experts and others with experience in standards development and conformity assessment. It is a voluntary performance standard for bomb suits used by certified public safety bomb technicians.
For a manufacturer or supplier to claim that a bomb suit model satisfies the standard, the model must comply with the standard as described in Public Safety Bomb Suit Certification Program Requirements.
Public safety agencies that purchase bomb suits should consider purchasing only bomb suits that meet the minimum performance requirements spelled out in the NIJ standard.

Building and Enhancing Criminal Justice Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:36:28 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for the funding of multiple criminal justice research projects involving researcher-practitioner partnerships as well as capturing, in detail, relevant accounts of these collaborations. This solicitation specifically aims to support criminal justice research and evaluation activities that include a researcher-practitioner partnership component. Within the context of the proposed research or evaluation project, these partnerships can be new or ongoing. Results from these projects should lead to better criminal justice policy, practice, and research, especially for the participating practitioner partners.
Application Deadline: May 30, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Funding to Solve Cold Cases with DNA

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:35:20 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals from States and units of local government for funding to identify, review, and investigate “violent crime cold cases” that have the potential to be solved using DNA analysis, and to locate and analyze the biological evidence associated with these cases. Experience has shown that cold case programs can solve a substantial number of violent crime cold cases, including homicides and sexual assaults. Advances in DNA technologies have substantially increased the successful DNA analysis of aged, degraded, limited, or otherwise compromised biological evidence. As a result, crime scene samples once thought to be unsuitable for testing may now yield DNA profiles. Additionally, samples that previously generated inconclusive DNA results may now be successfully analyzed.

Application Deadline: May 21, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Funding for Postconviction DNA Testing

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:33:06 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals from States wishing to receive funding to help defray the costs associated with postconviction DNA testing in cases that involve violent felony offenses (as defined by State law) in which actual innocence might be demonstrated. Funds may be used to review such postconviction cases, and to locate and analyze biological evidence associated with these cases.

Application Deadline: May 21, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Report on the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:20:14 -0400

NIJ has released its annual report to Congress on the Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. This program provides funding to states and to units of local government to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, in accordance with the Coverdell Act.

NIJ seeks proposals on research on the link between victimization and offending

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:33:48 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct research that enhances the knowledge of the relationship between victimization and offending, with an emphasis on criminal incidents or events. NIJ encourages applicants to submit proposals for bold, innovative approaches to enhance the understanding of processes linking criminal offending and victimization.

Research and evaluation sought on trafficking in persons

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:33:06 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for research and evaluation projects to address the knowledge gaps related to trafficking in persons in the United States. NIJ is particularly interested in studies that address the under-reporting of trafficking cases at the Federal, State, and local levels of criminal justice. NIJ is also interested in evaluation studies of counter-trafficking programs and tools.

NIJ seeks research on Violent Victimization Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:32:37 -0400

NIJ seeks proposals for research on the violent victimization experiences of racial and ethnic minorities. NIJ’s goal is to advance the body of research on this topic by examining the causes and correlates of differential victimization rates among these diverse populations, including demographic and socioeconomic risk factors. The research should take into account the argument that there is no single cause of violent victimization. Rather, it should consider multiple risk factors that contribute to racial/ethnic minorities’ victimization, including individual, situational, family, school, peer, and community factors.

Free seminar on Violent Repeat Victimization: Prospects and Challenges for Research and Practice

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:22:14 -0400

Join us for NIJ's next Research for the Real World seminar on April 12, 2012, from 10-11:30 am.
Research tells us that a relatively small fraction of individuals experience a large proportion of violent victimizations. Thus, focusing on reducing repeat victimization might have a large impact on total rates of violence. However, research also tells us that most violent crime victims do not experience more than one incident during a six-month or one-year time period. As a result, special policies to prevent repeat violence may not be cost-effective for most victims.
Dr. Janet Lauritsen will summarize existing research on repeat violent victimization, both here in the United States and abroad. She will provide new findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey about the potential impact that reducing repeat victimization might have on rates of violence in the U.S. She will discuss possible factors that can be used to predict whether victimization is likely to be repeated and suggest how such information can inform policy and practice.

Register for the next Technology Institute for Law Enforcement

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:25:00 -0400

NIJ holds technology institutes for law enforcement officers to learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the law enforcement community. During the five day institute, attendees receive and exchange information about existing and developing technologies, problem-solving relating to technology implementation, and technology lessons learned.

"NIJ Institutionalizes Research Partnerships," article from JRSA Forum

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:11:09 -0400

In September 2011, Director John H. Laub launched the Office of Research Partnerships, a new office within the National Institute of Justice. This new office is a bold step to cultivate new partnerships with agencies both inside and outside of government. Read the article "NIJ Institutionalizes Research Partnerships" in the JRSA Forum, Newsletter of the Justice Research and Statistics Association.

Research proposal sought on desistance from crime over the life course (pdf, 19 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:24:12 -0400

Application Deadline: May 23, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time. NIJ seeks proposals to conduct research that enhances our knowledge of the process of desistance from crime. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate bold, innovative approaches to expanding our understanding of the processes underlying desistance from crime.

NIJ solicits research and evaluation proposals on children exposed to violence (pdf,21 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:23:05 -0400

Application Deadline: May 22, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time. NIJ seeks proposals for research related to childhood exposure to violence. In particular, NIJ seeks proposals that address resilience, poly-victimization, electronic aggression, or justice system responses to children identified as exposed to violence.

Testing Geospatial Police Strategies and Exploring Their Relationship to Criminological Theories (pdf, 20 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:21:25 -0400

Application Deadline: May 7, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.
NIJ seeks proposals for research related to links among criminological theories and geospatial police strategies. In particular, NIJ is interested in proposals to test current geospatial police strategies implemented at the micro-place and micro-time levels.

Soliciting research on sexual violence case attrition (pdf, 19 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:16:38 -0400

Application Deadline: April 24, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time. NIJ seeks proposals for funding research to replicate the study, "Police Decision Making in Sexual Assault Cases: An Analysis of Crimes Reported to the Los Angeles Police Department, 2006-2008" (NIJ grant 2009-WG-BX-0009) in six to eight sites. Sites should cover urban, suburban, and rural areas. Proposals should, to the extent possible, replicate the mixed-methods design and analytic approach found in the final technical report and data documentation files of the above-mentioned study.

Apply for DNA Backlog Reduction Funding (pdf, 26 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:06:36 -0400

Application Deadline: April 23, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.
NIJ seeks proposals for funding for the FY 2012 DNA Backlog Reduction Program. This program provides funding to States and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples, and to increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis.

NIJ is seeking applications for Social Science Research on Indigent Defense (pdf, 24 pages)

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:00:25 -0400

Application Deadline: May 23, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time. NIJ seeks proposals for funding to examine indigent criminal defense services, policies, and practices. This includes services provided by any of the following: State-funded, county-funded, city-funded, or tribal public defender’s offices; contract indigent defense lawyers; court-appointed counsel for indigent defendants; and/or, pro bono services provided by criminal defense attorneys. These services can be at the pretrial, trial, post-conviction, and/or appellate stages and involve either juvenile and/or adult defendants. Applicants are encouraged to consider research involving either (1) access to counsel and waiver of counsel by juveniles and/or adults, or (2) the effectiveness of other defense team members in indigent defense cases. However, other strong research proposals will be considered as well.

Webinar: Telemedicine Center to Support Sexual Assault Evidence Collection

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 13:09:08 -0500

This informational session — hosted by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and facilitated by the Government Innovators Network — is designed to help potential applicants learn more about the OVC solicitation, Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Examination Telemedicine Center: An Innovative Pilot Project. The goal of this project is to develop a live 24-hour telemedicine center to help Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and other forensic medical examiners collect evidence from a victim of sexual assault. The recipient of this $3.5 million award will issue a separate solicitation, in partnership with OVC, to set up the four pilot sites that will use cutting-edge audiovisual technology to walk a health care provider through a forensic medical examination. Register for this Webinar to learn more about the solicitation and OVC’s and NIJ’s ultimate goal of creating a national center that serves all jurisdictions on a fee-for-service basis.

Free training for medicolegal death investigators on the forensic sciences

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 09:19:54 -0500

The 2012 Medicolegal Death Investigation Training Program (Forensic Sciences: An Overview for Medicolegal Death Investigators) is now open for registration. This online training is provided by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and NFSTC at no-cost to eligible forensic practitioners involved in medicolegal death investigation, including medical examiners and coroners.

Attend the next Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 09:17:23 -0500

Apply by March 30, 2012 to attend the next Technology Institute for Rural Law Enforcement from May 6-11, 2012, in Annapolis, Md. This technology institute is targeted/designed for the command staff/supervisory personnel of small, rural, tribal and border law enforcement agencies containing fewer than 50 sworn officers. Law enforcement personnel will learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the small, rural, tribal and border law enforcement community.

Mock Prison Riot registration is open!

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 09:15:32 -0500

Register now to attend or participate in the Mock Prison Riot in Moundsville, West Virginia, on May 6-9, 2012. While tough budget decisions led to NIJ no longer funding the Mock Prison Riot, we are very pleased that the West Virginia Division of Corrections will be sponsoring the 2012 Riot.

Discussing translational criminology with NIJ Director Laub

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 09:13:20 -0500

Dr. Laub discusses fusing NIJ's dual mission through translational criminology, questions that guide NIJ's approach to translational criminology and the role of 'trust' in translational criminology.

Purchasing body armor. Video from NIJ and NLECTC

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 14:48:24 -0500

When it comes to saving an officer's life, nobody can hold back. NIJ's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center has created a video that can help procurement officials find the right vest for the right officer.

Wear your body Armor! Video from NIJ and NLECTC

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 14:46:51 -0500

Law Enforcement officers need proper equipment when they go to work. NIJ and National Law Enforcement Technology Center work together to ensure that body armor standards help officers do their jobs. A new video is available for officers.

Grant Report Examines Use of Force Policy and Outcomes (pdf, 287 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:53:20 -0500

This project seeks to (1) identify existing variation in use of force policies, particularly those employing a force continuum approach and (2) determine which types of policies offer more beneficial outcomes to police practitioners, which are measured in terms of the degree to which varying policies: (a) provide officers assistance and guidance with respect to force decision-making, and (b) are associated with less force (i.e., by amount and type), injuries to suspects and officers, citizen complaints, and lawsuits levied for improper force. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Analyzing Paint Samples Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (pdf, 84 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:52:49 -0500

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can provide an inexpensive and rapid analytical method for the characterization of a sample's elemental composition. This research examines the application of LIBS for the analysis and pairwise comparison of automotive paint samples for the purpose of discriminating between two samples at a known level of statistical significance. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Findings on Tools to Restore Degraded DNA Evidence (pdf, 30 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:51:36 -0500

The objective of this study was to develop tools to facilitate STR DNA genotyping through a) improving the quality of the DNA found in degraded forensic samples, and b) enhancing the ability to retrieve amplifiable DNA from forensic samples. The approach taken during this project toward improving DNA genotyping focused on 1) improving damaged sample DNA prior to attempts at PCR amplification, and 2) retrieving those specific sequences needed for PCR amplification, thereby improving the chances for obtaining a genotype. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Report Examines Field Detection of Drugs and Explosives (pdf, 275 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:50:08 -0500

The overall objective of this effort was to develop and validate the use of field portable instrumentation for the rapid detection and identification of controlled substances and explosives in a large volume area, such as a room or a container, in a non-intrusive manner. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Report Investigates Method to Store Biological Materials (pdf, 296 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:49:07 -0500

Storing biological evidence at subzero temperatures is one of the current methods employed to prevent DNA degradation until time of analysis; however, previous studies have shown that freezing biological evidence does not completely cease the degradation process. The research presented here evaluates a proprietary platform technology for the dry storage of biological materials at ambient temperature.

This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Report Evaluates Methods to Increase DNA Processing Efficiency (pdf, 94 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:48:00 -0500

The objectives of this research project were to: 1) implement a new DNA buccal collection kit that is universal in use, provides a higher success rate on the first analysis attempt, all at a significant reduction in cost, and 2) develop a technique to process buccal swabs using the Identifiler® Direct amplification kit. This kit eliminates the need for the extraction step in the DNA analysis process, but is specifically designed for use on FTA® cards.
This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Working Group Findings on the Effects of Human Factors on Latent Print Analysis (pdf, 240 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:46:31 -0500

Fingerprints have provided a valuable method of personal identification in forensic science and criminal investigations for more than 100 years. The examination of fingerprints left at crime scenes, generally referred to as latent prints, consists of a series of steps involving a comparison of the latent print to a known (or exemplar) print. In addition to reaching correct conclusions in the matching process, latent print examiners are expected to produce records of the examination and, in some cases, to present their conclusions and the reasoning behind them in the courtroom.
In recent years, the accuracy of latent print identification has been the subject of increased study, scrutiny, and commentary in the legal system and the forensic science literature. In December 2008, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) convened The Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis to conduct a scientific assessment of the effects of human factors on forensic latent print analysis and to develop recommendations to reduce the risk of error.
This report documents their findings and recommendations, addressing issues ranging from the acquisition of impressions of friction ridge skin to courtroom testimony, from laboratory design and equipment to research into emerging methods for associating latent prints with exemplars. It provides a comprehensive discussion of how human factors relate to all aspects of latent print examinations including communicating conclusions to all relevant parties through reports and testimony.

Learn what Convicted Offender DNA Backlog Reduction Program grantees did with their funding (pdf, 17 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:37:54 -0500

NIJ has posted the final technical reports submitted by grantees under this program the from awards made in fiscal year 2009. We will be updating this collection as we receive additional submissions from our grantees.

Learn what Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program grantees did with their funding (pdf, 121 pages)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:29:58 -0500

Grantees under the Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program could use their award money for a number of purposes, including salaries and benefits, overtime, training, equipment and supplies. NIJ has posted the final technical reports submitted by grantees under this program from the awards made in fiscal year 2009. We will be updating this collection as we receive additional submissions from our grantees.

Aviation technology for law enforcement offers lower-cost alternatives to helicopters and airplanes.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:45:19 -0500

NIJ's aviation activities focus on research, evaluation and development designed to find safe and affordable options that meet a department's needs. The NIJ aviation portfolio has several goals:

Determine whether lower cost, light sport aircraft can cost-effectively enhance the work of law enforcement.
Evaluate operational aspects of low-cost light sport aircraft.
Identify low-cost aviation camera systems.
Develop new aviation technology.
Develop and evaluate unmanned aircraft systems.

New TechBeat articles on gangs in schools, cognitive radios and more!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:30:16 -0500

Articles in the Winter 2012 issue include:

Managing Gangs in Schools
Easing Communication with Cognitive Radio
Merging Technologies for Better Policing
New Policing Era Dawns in Dunwoody
Launching a Red-Light Camera Program

Date Change! The next Technology Institute for Law Enforcement now will be held June 24-28, 2012

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:26:59 -0500

NIJ has changed the date for the next Technology Institute for Law Enforcement to June 25-28, 2012. Apply to attend by March 2, 2012.

GAO review of DOJ body armor programs

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:16:39 -0500

The Government Accountability Office has reviewed the Department of Justice's body armor programs. The published their findings note that NIJ's research, development and compliance testing programs have led to the development of improved body armor and testing standards. GAO also reviews the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Bulletproof Vest Partnership and Justice Assistance Grant programs.

Illegal Prescription Drug Market Interventions: research solicitation announced.

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:02:15 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for research on illegal prescription drug markets to examine the utility of policies, practices, and resources available to law enforcement for major crime deterrence, prosecution, and other market intervention measures. This solicitation has two objectives: policy analysis of criminal diversion of prescription medication laws, and Prescription Drug Monitoring program optimization for law enforcement. Application Deadline: May 17, 2012.

Data Resources Program 2012: Funding for Analysis of Existing Data: research solicitation announced.

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:01:10 -0500

In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) seeks proposals under the Data Resources Program (DRP) solicitation for original research using existing data available from the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD) and other public sources. NACJD houses quantitative and qualitative data from research funded by these agencies, and data are made available online as downloadable, machine-readable files along with necessary documentation. NACJD is maintained by the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research at the University of Michigan and is supported by NIJ, BJS, and OJJDP. Application Deadline: May 17, 2012

Learn Best Practices in Forensic Science Management

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:18:51 -0500

NIJ and the Midwest Forensics Resource Center announce a class on Best Practices in Forensic Science Management. The Basic and Basic Plus classes will be held June 4-8, 2012 and the Advanced training class will be held September 11-13, 2012 all in Omaha, Nebraska. Participants must attend both June and September training classes to register for this class.
The classes are intended for those who may be considering the transition from bench-level forensic scientist to manager, who are making the transition, or who may be new to crime laboratory management.

Fingermark Detection Technology Evaluation Released (pdf, 20 pages)

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:56:29 -0500

A variety of light sources and reagents are available for the detection and identification of latent fingermarks. This study was undertaken to explore the optimum light and filter combinations of laser and light-emitting diode (LED) light for use with indanedione and two new chemical reagents, genipin and lawsone.The light sources utilized were Coherent® TracER™ lasers operating at 460nm, 532nm and 577nm and the Rofin Polilight Flare Plus LED operating at 505nm.
This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice

Grant Report Analyzes Violent Victimization of Juveniles (pdf, 79 pages)

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:54:38 -0500

Guided by both social disorganization and self-control theories, this study is an effort to empirically illustrate the independent and interactive influences of neighborhood context and one measure of antisocial propensity (low self-control) on violent victimization. Implications of this study's findings are discussed as they relate to policy, prevention and theory. The study also sets forth a research agenda on neighborhoods, antisocial traits and violent victimization risk for future research.
Data from the 9, 12, and 15-year old cohorts of the Longitudinal Cohort Study in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN-LCS) were used in this study.
This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice

Training on the Principles of Death Investigation

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:33:51 -0500

Principles of Death Investigation is an introductory course designed to discuss the fundamentals of death investigation. The course is written using the NIJ guidelines, "Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator". In addition, information has been included from death investigation texts, handbooks, and other resources. The content primarily focuses on scene procedures, collection of information, and the various causes, mechanisms, and manners of death. The course is especially written for medicolegal death investigators, crime scene investigators, and law enforcement personnel.
Presented by West Virginia University with funding from the National Institute of Justice.

Learn how the study of insects (entomology) can aid in legal investigations.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:32:19 -0500

Forensic entomology is the use of insects and their arthropod relatives to aid legal investigations. The proper identification of the insect and arthropod species present in a forensic entomology case is important. The genus/species identification helps the forensic entomologist retrieve the correct developmental data and distribution ranges needed for the case. An incorrect identification can lead to a potential error in the estimations and effect the estimation of the total postmortem interval.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Introduction to Fish and Wildlife Investigations

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:31:10 -0500

Fish and wildlife forensic science is a field that involves the application of forensic science principles to the protection of aquatic and marine fish and land animals. In a technical definition, fish and wildlife forensic science is the application of the principles of science to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting relevant evidence related to the protection of fish and wildlife resources in a manner suitable for presentation in a court of law.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Training on the procedures, methods and instrumentation used for chemical spot tests on illicit drugs.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:29:00 -0500

Chemical Spot Tests for Illicit Drugs discusses testing procedures, methods, and instrumentation used when performing chemical spot tests on illicit drugs. The course will review a number of common chemical spot tests used in the forensic field to presumptively test for illicit drugs, as well as the mechanisms behind the tests.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Learn the basic principles and procedures used in forensic toxicology.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:26:41 -0500

Fundamentals of Forensic Toxicology is an introductory course that discusses the basic principles and procedures used in forensic toxicology. The course content addresses the practices and methods used, but also the proper handling of specimens and quality assurance practices.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Learn how fibers and textiles relate to forensic science.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:24:50 -0500

Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Scientists' is offered to familiarize forensic service providers, both laboratory personnel and crime scene/law enforcement staff, with textiles as they relate to forensic science. The course will be beneficial to those with minimal experience looking to increase their knowledge of fibers and textile science. In addition, the experienced trace examiner will be able to learn some textile-specific information while reviewing concepts such as microscopy, fiber types, fabric construction, and color issues. The course combines intermediate information with the basic foundation of fibers and textile.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Training on the principles and procedure used in forensic labs - Evidence Analysis: Beyond the Crime Scene

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:23:13 -0500

This online course discusses basic principles and procedures used in the forensic laboratory. It is designed to help the investigator or laboratory examiner understand the fundamental concepts of the laboratory environment, including the examination of evidence. The content not only addresses practices and methods, it also identifies the proper handling of evidence and precautions that should be utilized in the laboratory environment.
Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Train to prepare for a leadership position in a forensic laboratory.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:20:23 -0500

This online course is intended for laboratory managers, directors, chiefs or any other personnel in a supervisory position. The purpose is to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a leader and a manager. Transition to Leadership will explore the nuances between these two concepts in detail. Provided by West Virginia University with funding from NIJ.

Seminar on Addiction, the Brain, and Evidence-Based Treatment

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:04:09 -0500

NIJ will present the seminar Addiction, the Brain, and Evidence-Based Treatment as part of our Research for the Real World seminar series. Spearker: Dr. Redonna K. Chandler, Ph.D., National Institute on Drug Abuse When: Monday, March 5, 2012, 10:30 am - 12 pm Where: Office of Justice Programs, 3rd Floor Ballroom, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. RSVP: Contact Yolanda Curtis at Yolanda.Curtis@usdoj.gov or 202-305-2554 Description: The criminal justice system encounters and supervises a large number of drug abusing persons. Punishment alone is a futile and ineffective response to the problem of drug abuse. Addiction is a chronic brain disease with a strong genetic component that in most instances requires treatment. Involvement in the criminal justice system provides a unique opportunity to treat drug abuse disorders and related health conditions, thereby improving public health and safety. This presentation is intended to highlight the following: 1) the neuro-biology of addiction; 2) evidence-based principles of addiction treatment; and 3) research efforts underway at the National Institute on Drug Abuse to expand knowledge on effectively addressing drug abuse in the criminal justice system.

Annual Police Vehicle Evaluation Released (pdf, 126 pages)

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:02:03 -0500

With support from the NIJ funded National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center, the Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team reported the results of its 2012 model year police vehicle evaluation. The Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team tested 19 vehicles and 6 motorcycles and evaluated vehicle dynamics; acceleration, top speed and brakes; ergonomics and communications; and fuel economy. This report, 2012 Model Year Police Vehicle Evaluation, was supported by an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Report Explores Technology for Detection of Elder Abuse/Neglect (pdf, 86 pages)

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:51:17 -0500

Physical abuse as a contributing factor in the death of an elderly individual is difficult to exclude without a full conventional autopsy, even when allegations of abuse are focused on nonphysical issues. In this report, the authors investigate the potential for use of whole-body post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) as a triage tool to determine the need for conventional autopsy, based on detection of injuries suggestive of physical abuse and/or evidence suggestive of neglect. This report, Utility of Whole-Body Computed Tomography Imaging in Post Mortem Detection of Elder Abuse and Neglect: Comparison with and Potential Substitution for Standard Autopsy , is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Panel Examines Phenomenon of Excited Delirium (pdf, 50 pages)

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:49:40 -0500

This report constitutes the proceedings of a meeting of a special panel convened by the Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center (WPSTC) to examine the subject of Excited Delirium Syndrome (ExDS) and the interventions being cooperatively developed by the law enforcement and medical communities. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the phenomenon of “excited delirium” and its association with the use-of-force in general and the use of CEDs in particular. Additionally, the panel examined related medical and other first responder protocols.
This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Study Analyzes Domestic Violence Program Services (pdf, 321 pages)

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:54:53 -0500

This study, Meeting Survivors' Needs Through Non-Residential Domestic Violence Services & Supports: Results of a Multi-State Study , was designed to help fill a gap in current knowledge about the range of services provided, and the needs and experiences of survivors. Research goals included obtaining a large and diverse sample of survivors and programs, to permit meaningful comparisons of services, immediate outcomes, and experiences by race/ethnicity, immigration status, gender and other characteristics of survivors, while also taking program capacity into account.
This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

NIJ Annual Report for 2010 (pdf, 28 pages)

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 07:41:16 -0500

Analysis of policing and prosecuting sexual assault (pdf, 532 pages)

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:01:30 -0500

Using data from agencies within Los Angeles City and County, this report pursues the following five objectives: 1. Document the extent of case attrition and to identify the stages of the criminal justice process where attrition is most likely to occur; 2. Identify the case complexities and evidentiary factors that affect the likelihood of attrition in sexual assault cases; 3. Identify the predictors of case outcomes in sexual assault cases; 4. Provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that lead police to unfound the charges in sexual assault cases; and 5. Identify the situations in which sexual assault cases are being cleared by exceptional means. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Addressing what we know about and what we need to do next in crime prevention research (pdf, 66 pages)

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:58:51 -0500

In this paper the authors set out to address three main questions as they relate to developmental and situational crime prevention today and in the years to come: 1. What do we know? This pertains largely to the effectiveness of the two strategies. 2. What do we need to know? This concerns gaps in knowledge on effectiveness and related key issues. 3. How can we find out? This final question has to do with research strategies to address the gaps in knowledge and priorities for research. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Collecting DNA from juveniles - laws, policies and practice (pdf, 84 pages)

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:57:16 -0500

The report "Collecting DNA from Juveniles" examines the laws, policies, and practices related to juvenile DNA collection, as well as their implications for the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This report considers the following questions: 1. How have state agencies, including juvenile justice agencies and state laboratories, implemented juvenile DNA collection laws? 2. What are the number and characteristics of juveniles with profiles included in CODIS? 3. How have juvenile profiles in CODIS contributed to public safety or other justice outcomes? 4. What improvements to policies and practices should be made? This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Interactive cheminformatic database for forensics (pdf, 61 pages)

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 07:54:28 -0500

The report describes the development of a database (ForensicDB) which now provides a publicly available platform for the searching and use of spectral records, with minimal use requirements of the end user. In addition, the project has provided a means of maintaining and expanding the availability of the widely used AAFS EI-GC-MS database and the flexibility to address data needs for emerging compounds, other forensic chemistry analyses such as photoacoustic FTIR, and smokeless powder analyses. Register at www.forensicdb.org to access reviewed spectral data, and perform spectra, structure and Meta-data searching. This report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Solicitation: NIJ Ph.D. Graduate Research Fellowship Program FY 2012

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:44:05 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for funding under the Ph.D. Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program, which provides awards for research on crime, violence, and other criminal justice-related topics to accredited academic universities that offer research-based doctoral degrees in disciplines relevant to NIJ’s mission. The GRF program is intended to support universities that sponsor students who are in the final stages of graduate study. Awards are granted to successful applicants in the form of a grant to cover a doctoral student fellowship. Currently, the GRF fellowship is $25,000. Application Deadline: May 2, 2012

Solicitation: W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship for Research in Race, Gender, Culture, and Crime FY 2012

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:43:07 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for funding under the W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship for Research in Race, Gender, Culture, and Crime FY 2012. The Du Bois Fellowship Program seeks to advance knowledge regarding the confluence of crime, justice, and culture in various societal contexts. The Fellowship places particular emphasis on crime, violence, and the administration of justice in diverse cultural contexts within the United States. Application Deadline: May 2, 2012

Solicitation: Research on the Impact of Technology on Policing Strategies in the 21st Century

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:10:09 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct research to evaluate how technology affects policing strategies at the State, local, and tribal levels and the impact that technology has on policing outcomes. In other words, policing organizations may implement new technologies within their departments for the purpose of promoting public safety, enforcing the law, and/or preventing and detecting crime. If successful, the new technology may lead to changes in policing strategies designed to enhance positive policing outcomes (e.g., improving police response time or reducing targeted crimes). This research aims to fill these gaps in policing research. Application Deadline: April 30, 2012

Solicitation: Basic Scientific Research to Support Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:09:32 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for funding basic scientific research in the physical, life, and cognitive sciences that is designed to increase the knowledge underlying forensic science disciplines intended for use in the criminal justice system. Application Deadline: April 20, 2012.

Solicitation: Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:07:54 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for applied research and development projects that will: (1) increase knowledge or understanding necessary to guide forensic science policy and practice, or (2) result in the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for forensic application. The intent of the Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes program is to direct the findings of basic scientific research, research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science, and ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes. Application Deadline: April 20, 2012

Solicitation: Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women: Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Teen Dating Violence

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:06:50 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for research and evaluation on specific issues related to sexual violence, stalking, and teen dating violence. The issue areas for sexual violence research are the criminal justice response to particular underserved populations, the development and testing of instruments with diverse populations, and testing of innovative interventions aimed at improving initial criminal justice responses to victims of sexual violence. Priority areas for research on stalking are evaluating offender interventions specific to stalking behavior by current or former intimate partners, and law enforcement and prosecutorial actions regarding particular stalking issues. In the area of teen dating violence (i.e., adolescent relationship abuse), applications are sought for additional waves of data for existing longitudinal projects. Application Deadline: April 26, 2012

Solicitation: The Impact of Different Safety Equipment Modalities on Reducing Correctional Officer Injuries

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:58:10 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct comparative evaluations of safety equipment modalities; that is, policies and practices among correctional agencies regarding what safety equipment staff may use, when and how staff may use it, and how those modalities affect officers’ physical safety. For the purpose of this solicitation, safety equipment is defined as equipment used by correctional officers to de-escalate and stop violent and disruptive activities by inmates and to protect officers from assaults. Application Deadline: April 25, 2012

Solicitation: Determining the Relationship Between Stress and Unexplained In-Custody Deaths

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:57:01 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for research to examine whether the physiologic and metabolic effects of the stress of being subdued or restrained, by any means, may explain otherwise unexplained in-custody deaths. Specifically, NIJ seeks proposals for research to: (1) clarify the fatal mechanisms that might be associated with stress resulting from being subdued or restrained, by any means and not limited to CEDs; and, if such mechanisms can be demonstrated, (2) identify post-mortem markers that can inform death investigations. Application Deadline: April 25, 2012

Solicitation: Research on Policing

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:50:57 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals to conduct research on policing to improve criminal investigative processes and promote police integrity in law enforcement agencies at the State and local levels. Effective criminal investigative practices and improved police integrity are of critical importance to ensuring trust and confidence in the police in communities throughout the United States. NIJ is interested in proposals addressing the following topics: (1) Police Investigations and (2) Police Integrity. Application Deadline: April 25, 2012

Training: Investigating Sudden Deaths: Cause of Death Scenarios That Mimic One Another

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:52:55 -0500

This presentation discusses causes of sudden deaths that mimic one another. The course begins with a definition of sudden, unexpected death. This course will then review the most common causes of sudden, unexpected death. The course will conclude with an in depth discussion on natural diseases that may mimic a traumatic death and non-natural diseases that may mimic a natural death. Free registration required.

Training: Death Investigation in the Elderly

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:52:55 -0500

This presentation discusses the rate of elderly abuse and the characteristics of normal and abnormal physiological changes of aging, including dementia. In addition, this course will review the risk factors for elderly abuse and the appropriate course of action for different types of abuse. The course will conclude with an in depth discussion on the requirements for different types of elder care facilities and the stakeholders, and the differences between appropriate and inappropriate care for the elderly. Free registration required.

Solicitation: Longitudinal Data on Teen Dating Violence: Postdoctoral Fellowship

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:52:55 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for research related to teen dating violence (a.k.a. adolescent relationship abuse). In particular, NIJ seeks proposals that explore predictors and consequences of teen dating violence using longitudinal data, through the support of postdoctoral fellows, to analyze existing data. Application Deadline: April 24, 2012

Solicitation: Research and Evaluation in Justice Systems

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:56:53 -0500

NIJ seeks applications for funding for research to examine issues related to the criminal justice system, specifically the function and process of the system from detection and arrest through offender reentry. Specific focus areas under this solicitation include: - Research on District Attorneys' pretrial diversion programs. - A pilot study on the impact of incarceration on families. - Research on the impact of video visitation on offender outcomes. - Application titles should clearly indicate the focus area selected. Application Deadline: April 30, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

Solicitation: Evaluating the Impact of the NIJ Body Armor Program

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:52:08 -0500

NIJ seeks proposals for funding to conduct an evaluation of the impact of NIJ's body armor research program on law enforcement policy and practice in the United States beginning with the program's inception in the early 1970s through today. This program involves the development of improved body armor. It also involves the development of standards to measure the performance of body armor and a testing program to help ensure that the armor sold to law enforcement agencies is safe and effective. Application Deadline: April 23, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

NIJ.gov: Predictive Policing Symposium Update for Smaller Departments

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:40:32 -0500

NIJ has convened two symposiums where researchers, practitioners and law enforcement leaders developed and discussed the concept of predictive policing and its impact on crime and justice. We have updated NIJ.gov with information from the second symposium where researchers and practitioners examined what predictive policing would mean for smaller departments struggling with limited budgets and personnel.

Publication: NIJ Research Report Digest, Issue 4

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:37:30 -0500

In NIJ’s Research Report Digest, you will find brief descriptions of studies in a variety of criminal justice disciplines, such as criminology and forensic sciences, and evaluations of technologies that are used in the law enforcement and corrections fields. This issue includes reports based on NIJ-funded research that were added to the NCJRS Abstracts Database from April-June 2011.

NIJ.gov: Characteristics of Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:46:57 -0500

NIJ-funded researchers examined two sets of data to determine some of the differences between (1) cases where an elderly person was the victim of financial exploitation and (2) cases where an elderly person was the victim of both financial exploitation and neglect or physical abuse.

Event: 2012 NIJ Conference dates are set - June 18-20, 2012

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:02:01 -0500

NIJ will host the 2012 NIJ Conference on June 18-20 in Alexandria Virginia.
For more than a decade, NIJ's annual conference has brought together criminal justice scholars, policymakers and practitioners at the local, state and federal levels to share the most recent findings from research and technology.
The conference showcases what works, what doesn't work, and what the research shows as promising. It puts a heavy emphasis on the benefits to researchers and practitioners who work together to create effective evidence-based policies and practices.

Webinar: Elder Abuse Risk Assessment Tool

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:01:15 -0500

Experts will examine the complex issue of researching an elderly and adult protective services population, and how a truly innovative partnership is overcoming the challenges. Panelists include Kristen Johnson, Rachel Lakin and Kathleen Quinn

Grant Report: Comparative Evaluation of Unexplained Wealth Orders (pdf, 844 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:24:30 -0500

Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) laws, a relatively recent development in confiscation and forfeiture jurisprudence, target the proceeds derived from criminal activities. Like traditional in personam and in rem forfeiture, their primary objective is to deprive criminals from acquiring or benefiting from unlawful activities. However by using UWOs the state does not have to first prove a criminal charge, as is the case with conviction based forfeiture. Likewise, the state does not have to first prove that the property in question is the instrument or proceed of a crime, as is generally the case in in rem asset forfeiture.
Under the parameters of this study, two countries were selected for in-depth review. Owing to their shared traits with the U.S.: common law legal systems (the courts of both countries frequently cite U.S. decisions), long established democratic traditions, and a common language, Ireland and Australia were selected. Moreover, Australia was selected as it is the only country in the world that identified these laws explicitly as unexplained wealth.

Grant Report: Fundamentals of Forensic Pigment Identification by Raman Microspectroscopy: A Practical Identification Guide and Spectral Library for Forensic Science Laboratories (pdf, 572 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:23:49 -0500

Grant Report: Development of Linkage Phase Analysis Software for Resolving mtDNA Mixtures (pdf, 69 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:22:28 -0500

- The central goal of this research was to develop and test a software application to automate the computationally intensive analysis of electrophoretic data necessary to determine the haplotypes of individual contributors to an mtDNA mixture. Developing such an application required completion of three major research objectives: (1) Develop a robust software application and user/friendly graphical interface to import and deconvolve sequence electropherogram files. (2) Test the accuracy of the software application on a broad range of mixture ratios and mixed base positions using both reference and casework-type samples. (3) Rigorously analyze the performance and accuracy of the software application and make appropriate revisions to resolve any anomalies

Grant Report: Establishment of a Fast and Accurate Proteomic Method for Body Fluid/Cell Type Identification (pdf, 62 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:20:46 -0500

The overall objective of this project was to determine if a single, confirmatory methodology, employing mass spectrometry (MS) as the means of detection, could be developed for the identification of five forensically important body fluids – blood, salvia, semen, menstrual blood and vaginal fluid. Toward that end specific aims were established to: 1) identify multiple protein markers for each body fluid, 2) determine the limits of detection for each body fluid, 3) establish a single extraction procedure that works well for all body fluids from a variety of substrates (cotton, polyester, condom, common beverage plastic and wood), 4) determine limits of detection for each body fluid in mixed samples, 5) evaluate aged mock forensic samples, and 6) establish a high throughput assay.

Grant Report: Forensic Stain Identification By RT-PCR Analysis (Updated) (pdf, 88 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:19:49 -0500

The nature of this research was to identify mRNA transcripts that will definitively identify the tissue of origin, determine if such transcripts survive the typical environmental insults that forensic samples may encounter, and to develop rapid multiplex assays to assess these molecules using small amounts of sample.

Grant Report: The U.S. Attorney General's Defending Childhood Initiative: Formative Evaluation of the Phase I Demonstration Program (pdf, 16 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:18:23 -0500

In an effort to address children’s exposure to violence, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), under the leadership of Attorney General Eric Holder, launched the Defending Childhood Initiative. This national initiative aims to: 1) prevent children’s exposure to violence; 2) mitigate the negative impact of such exposure when it does occur, and; 3) develop knowledge and spread awareness about children’s exposure to violence. Toward these ends, in 2010, DOJ awarded an initial $1.25 million to eight sites across the nation to address the high incidence of children’s exposure to violence in their homes, schools, and communities. Phase I of the initiative required all eight sites to develop comprehensive strategic plans to prevent and reduce the impact of children’s exposure to violence through a collaborative process.

Grant Report: Jihad, Crime, and the Internet: Content Analysis of Jihadist Forum Discussions (pdf, 179 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:12:59 -0500

Grant Report: Crime Control Effects of Criminal Sanctions for Intimate Partner Violence (pdf, 161 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:11:15 -0500

This research assesses the extent to which criminal sanctions - prosecution, conviction, and jail - are imposed for violence between intimate partners and whether those sanctions are associated with repeat offending.

Grant Report: Effects Research Test Report for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Engine Stopper Program (pdf, 42 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:10:04 -0500

During the month of April of 2009, researchers . conducted a series of RF susceptibility tests on automobiles under idle and dynamic conditions. The test activities described herein consisted of determining the Electromagnetic (EM) characteristics of the Fiore brassboard RF source and the response of automobiles to that RF source in simulated Concept of Operations (CONOPS) scenarios. The purpose of the tests was to demonstrate the feasibility of the RF source as a non-lethal engine stopping weapon.

Grant Report: Establishment of Interdisciplinary Working Group for Review of Kinetic Energy Munitions (28 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:08:00 -0500

This pilot on obtaining injury data on humans was revised to establish a methodology to obtain human injury data on officers that were shot while wearing body armor. With some minor revisions to the original Less Lethal Incident Monitoring Program pilot, a second pilot was begun, called the Body Armor Incident Monitoring Program. This pilot was designed to understand injuries to officers wearing body armor and to study blunt force trauma injuries (bruising, lacerations, and/or internal injuries caused by a bullet striking but not perforating the vest).

Grant Report: Holographic Optical Trapping in Forensic Research and Development: Application to Rape Kit Analysis (pdf, 67 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:06:29 -0500

A significant portion of all forensic casework samples handled by US crime laboratories pertains to sexual assault. In order to successfully carry out DNA analysis of sexual assault forensic cases the separation of sperm from epithelial cells is critical. Current practice in most crime laboratories involves a two-step differential extraction process, a chemical process which differentially disrupts sperm and epithelial cells and hence releases their DNA for downstream STR analysis. This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive and commonly results in female DNA carryover into the male fraction which interferes with DNA analysis and criminal identification. To address these drawbacks we investigated a powerful technology called holographic optical trapping (HOT) for separation of sperm from epithelial cells in sexual assault samples prior to DNA analysis. Optical trapping is a well established scientific technique which has been widely applied in cell biology to manipulate cells. It is a non-destructive method where trapped cells can live and reproduce while being held in the traps for extended periods of time.

Grant Report: Physiological Model of Excited Delirium (pdf, 30 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:03:50 -0500

This research demonstrates a unique investigational model to evaluate the combined effects of a physiologically induced stress and CEW exposure. The hemorrhage and hyperthermia completed for this study caused a stress on the animals which resulted in an increase in heart rate and catecholamines, decrease in mean arterial pressure, decrease in pH and increase in lactate.

Grant Report; Rapid Microfluidic Human Specific DNA Quantitation (pdf, 33 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:02:57 -0500

The goal of this research program was to develop a human-specific DNA quantitation module for incorporation into NetBio’s fully integrated microfluidic instrument and biochip in development.

Grant Report: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Response During Electronic Control Device (ECD) Exposure in Law Enforcement Trainees (pdf, 33 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:01:48 -0500

This is the first study to examine breathing patterns during-ECD exposure with the resolution to detect changes. In contrast to reports suggesting respiration is unaffected by ECDs, present evidence suggests that voluntary inspiration is severely compromised. There is no evidence of cardiac disruption during-ECD exposure.

Grant Report: Sample Collection System for DNA Analysis of Forensic Evidence: Towards Practical, Fully-Integrated STR Analysis (pdf, 45 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:50 -0500

Grant Report: Sexual Assault in Jail and Juvenile Facilities: Promising Practices for Prevention and Response, Final Report (pdf, 365 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:58:36 -0500

This report presents the findings from a descriptive study of promising practices to prevent and respond to inmate-on- inmate sexual assault in jails and resident-on-resident sexual assault in juvenile correctional facilities, including a comprehensive literature review of institutional sexual assault

Grant Report: Double Strand Break Repair of Highly Damaged DNA (pdf, 98 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:57:39 -0500

Purpose of this project was to attempt to repair ‘in the test tube’ highly fragmented genomic DNA in order to retrieve a DNA profile from otherwise intractable environmentally compromised samples.

Grant Report: Improving the Efficiency of DNA Casework Analysis through Simple, Effective, PCR-based Screening Methods (pdf, 116 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:55:44 -0500

The forensic laboratory must continually meet the challenge of increased casework and the criminal justice community’s demand for timely analysis of evidence. New assays that could assess sample quality (degraded versus intact) or easily yield preliminary source information (DNA screening to differentiate victim, suspect, male, female) would allow the laboratory to focus its energy on the most probative case samples. To achieve these goals, this grant had two major Aims: 1) development of a fast, simple profiling method for sample screening to select samples which would be most probative and 2) development of a test for sample DNA degradation state.

Grant Report: Test Methodologies for the Assessment of Less-Lethal Kinetic Energy Rounds (38 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:55:05 -0500

The objective of this project was to utilize existing knowledge to formulate a testing methodology by which less-lethal kinetic energy munitions can be assessed. In addition, results from testing using these methodologies are presented to allow for law enforcement agents to make informed decisions. Input was garnered from various organizations including, but not limited to: manufacturers, NIST and law enforcement agencies. The goal of this effort was to objectively evaluate kinetic energy munitions in order to ultimately reduce the risk of injury.

Grant Report: The Effect of TASER on Cardiac, Respiratory and Metabolic Physiology in Human Subjects (pdf, 29 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:53:07 -0500

Researchers studied the effects of a single TASER exposure on markers of physiological stress in humans in a two phase study. Phase one looked at subjects exposed to a TASER at rest, and phase two looked at subjects exposed to a TASER after vigorous exercise.

Grant Report: Development of Standard for Less-lethal Kinetic Energy Rounds (pdf, 7 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:59 -0500

The goal of this research is to initiate a process by which kinetic energy munitions can be evaluated. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a procedure for developing standards. This process was initiated as part of this effort. The overall objective of the current effort is to establish the framework for the development of a standard.

Grant Report: Enhanced Ergonomic Model of Repeating RAP Launcher With Tech-Data Package (pdf, 11 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:18 -0500

This report details the successful efforts of Vanek Prototype Co. (the Company) to redesign, as a more commercializable model, the ring airfoil projectile (RAP) launcher first fabricated under NIJ grant 2002-IJ-CX-K015. As part of this effort, the Company developed a computerized tech-data package for all the parts that comprise the new launcher, then constructed a working model based on that package, using CNC machinery to demonstrate the ability to mass manufacture the launcher.

Grant Report: High-Power Compact Microwave Source for Vehicle Immobilization, Final Report (pdf, 47 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:49:15 -0500

Eureka Aerospace has developed a compact single frequency high-power electromagnetic system (HPEMS) for remotely immobilizing vehicles using microwave energy to disable/damage vehicle’s electronic control module/microprocessor which controls engine’s vital functions.

Grant Report: Technical Observation of the Rapid Prototype Development of the Rapid Airfoil Projectile (pdf, 13 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:46:30 -0500

Grant Report: Development of an Automated System to Detect Spermatozoa on Laboratory Slides to Increase Productivity in the Analysis of Sexual Assault Cases (pdf, 60 pages)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:43:05 -0500

The proposed project intended to explore the possibility of using existing hardware and modifying software to develop an automated sperm searching system. The system would allow the analyst to load multiple slides into the device for unattended analysis. Verification of the computer identified spermatozoa would be performed through the inspection of captured images or through a computer-driven directed review of the slide. The proposed system would consist of a microscope, a computer-driven stage that would accept multiple slides, a video system to import images into a computer, and software to drive the stage and to interpret images.

Grant Report: 2011 Police Vehicle Tire Evaluation

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:33:17 -0500

The 2011 Police Tire Evaluation provides law enforcement agencies across North America with information to assist them in making informed decisions regarding replacement tires.

Grant Reports: Multi-site Adult Drug Court Evaluation

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:18:06 -0500

The findings from NIJ's Multi-site Adult Drug Court Evaluation are available in the five-volume final report.

Presentation: Economical Crime Control: Perspectives from Both Sides of the Ledger

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:59 -0500

Dr. Phillip J. Cook, ITT/Sanford Professor of Public Policy, Professor of Economics and Sociology, Duke University, presented as part of NIJ's Research for the Real World Seminar Series. The surge in incarceration since 1980 has been fueled in part by the mistaken belief that the population can be divided neatly into "good guys" and "bad guys." In fact, crime rates are not determined by the number of at-large criminals, any more than farm production is determined by the number of farmers. Crime is a choice, a choice that is influenced by available opportunities as much as by character. This perspective, drawn from economic theory, supports a multi-faceted approach to crime control. Dr. Cook's presentation includes examples of effective programs and policies from both sides of the ledger — both people-changing, and opportunity-changing.

Video: Economical Crime Control: Perspectives from Both Sides of the Ledger

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:55:16 -0500

We captured an interview with Phillip J. Cook, ITT/Sanford Professor of Public Policy, Professor of Economics and Sociology, Duke University, in which he discusses in three short segments: - The Normative Economistic Framework of Crime Control - Crime Control Today: The Good Guy/Bad Guy Framework - The Role of Private Action in Crime Reduction

Grant Report: Isolation of Highly Specific Protein Markers for the Identification of Biological Stains: Adapting Comparative Proteomics to Forensics

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:48:35 -0500

Grant Report, by Phillip B. Danielson Ph.D. (38 pages)

Grant Report: An Investigation of the Effect of DNA Degradation and Inhibition on PCR Amplification of Single Source and Mixed Forensic Samples

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:37:27 -0500

by Bruce McCord, Kerry Opel, Maribel Funes, Silvia Zoppis, Lee Meadows Jantz (66 pages)

Grant Report: Evaluation of Camera Use to Prevent Crime in Commuter Parking Facilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:25:13 -0500

September 2011, Grant Report, by Nancy G. La Vigne, Samantha S. Lowry (82 pages)

Grant Report: The Dervish - Universal Power Tool System for EOD Robots, Phase II

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:24:34 -0500

August 2011, Grant Report, by Paul Chambers (73 pages)

Publication: National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:50:10 -0500

NIJ was a co-sponsor of this study.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, based on a survey conducted in 2010. Over the course of a year, that equals more than 12 million women and men. Those numbers only tell part of the story—more than 1 million women are raped in a year and over 6 million women and men are victims of stalking in a year. These findings emphasize that sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence are important and widespread public health problems in the United States.

Grant Report: Decrease the Number of Contract Laboratory Cases Awaiting Data Review While Improving DNA Analysis Efficiency

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:37:04 -0500

NCJ 236693, 2011, Grant Report, by Vincent J. Anderson, Jeff Thompson (66 pages)

Video: Attorney General Eric Holder's Keynote Address at 2011 NIJ Conference

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:39:26 -0500

Eric H. Holder, Jr., U.S. Attorney General NIJ Conference 2011 June 20-22

Training: Rapid Biological Screening and Analysis Methodologies for Improving Throughput

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:18:10 -0500

This Rapid Biological Screening & Analysis Methodologies for Improving Throughput Technology Transition Workshop focuses on research projects that have the capability to increase the throughput of biological samples in one of two ways: through a screening process that serves to enable selection of critical samples requiring a more complete analysis either at the scene or in the laboratory, or via a fully integrated rapid DNA analysis platform system.

Publication: Test Results for Mobile Device Acquisition Tool: AFLogical 1.4

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:51:24 -0500

Test Results for Mobile Device Acquisition Tool: AFLogical 1.4
December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publication: Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: Tableau TDW1 Drive Tool / Drive Wiper - Firmware Version: 04/07/10 18:21:33

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:49:14 -0500

Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: Tableau TDW1 Drive Tool / Drive Wiper - Firmware Version: 04/07/10 18:21:33
December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publication: Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: Image MASSter Solo-4 Forensics; Software Version 4.2.63.0

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:47:16 -0500

Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: Image MASSter Solo-4 Forensics; Software Version 4.2.63.0
NCJ 235711, December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publication: Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: dc3dd: Version 7.0.0

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:44:55 -0500

Test Results for Forensic Media Preparation Tool: dc3dd: Version 7.0.0
December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publication: Test Results for Digital Data Acquisition Tool: Tableau TD1 Forensic Duplicator; Firmware Version 2.34 Feb 17, 2011

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:43:20 -0500

Test Results for Digital Data Acquisition Tool: Tableau TD1 Forensic Duplicator; Firmware Version 2.34 Feb 17, 2011
December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publication: Test Results for Digital Data Acquisition Tool: Image MASSter Solo-3 Forensics; Software Version 2.0.10.23f

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:36:54 -0500

Test Results for Digital Data Acquisition Tool: Tableau TD1 Forensic Duplicator; Firmware Version 2.34 Feb 17, 2011
December 2011, Special Report, by National Institute of Standards and Technology

Grant Report: Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council 2010 Annual Report (pdf, 80 pages)

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:28:04 -0500

LECTAC, the Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council, is a critical part of the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation process, providing practitioner-based input on what technologies are most important and what technology gaps currently exist. This "real world" input helps shape the activities of NIJ’s science and technology portfolios, as well as NIJ-funded research supporting the development and implementation of new technologies for criminal justice application.

Video: The Importance of Research on Race, Crime and Punishment - Lawrence Bobo, W.E.B. DuBois Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:25:40 -0500

The Importance of Research on Race, Crime and Punishment Lawrence Bobo, W.E.B. DuBois Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University NIJ Conference Keynote Address June 2011

Audio: The National Broadband (Communications) Plan: Issues for Public Safety

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:48:54 -0500

NIJ Conference Panel June 2011 01:29:00
The Federal Communications Commission delivered the National Broadband Plan in March 2010. As part of the plan, the FCC proposed a strategy for implementing a national public safety broadband network that would allow public safety responders anywhere in the nation to send and receive critical voice, video and data to save lives, reduce injuries, and prevent acts of crime and terror. How this strategy is implemented will have a significant impact on criminal justice and other public safety agencies nationwide, both with respect to operational capability and to resources. There are competing views of how this plan should be implemented, each with its pros and cons. This panel illuminates those issues from both sides of the debate.

Audio: Familial DNA Searching: Issues and Answers

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:44:40 -0500

NIJ Conference Panel June 2011 01:19:53
Familial DNA searching is the practice of creating new investigative leads in cases where DNA evidence found at the scene of a crime strongly resembles that of an existing DNA profile but is not an exact match. Panelists will explain how the technology works, provide examples of successful convictions obtained through familial searches, and discuss the various misconceptions and concerns regarding this practice.

Audio: The Evaluation of NIJ by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences: NIJ's Response

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:43:34 -0500

NIJ Conference Panel June 2011 01:14:39

The National Academies conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the National Institute of Justice. This panel provides an overview of the evaluation and NIJ's response to it. NIJ has accepted many of the recommendations in the NRC report, and you will learn what the agency is doing to implement them. A few of the recommendations were challenging and created considerable debate within NIJ. Plans to address these thorny issues also are discussed.

NIJ Seeking Candidates for New Deputy Director Position

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:52:26 -0500

NIJ is conducting a nationwide search for candidates for a newly created position - Deputy Director of the National Institute of Justice (SES)- to help oversee and lead the activities, programs, and operations of NIJ’s three offices - The Office of Science and Technology; Office of Research and Evaluation; and Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences. NIJ is seeking candidates who are first and foremost a scientist with expert authority in a social science, physical science, forensic science, or technology specialty field. Candidates must have a Ph.D. Open period for applying to this position ends January 16, 2011.

Event: Free Seminar on the Economics of Crime Control, Washington, D.C. December 6th

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:16:42 -0500

"Economical Crime Control: Perspectives from Both Sides of the Ledger"
Philip J. Cook Ph.D ITT/Sanford Professor of Public Policy, and Professor of Economics and Sociology, at Duke University
The surge in incarceration since 1980 has been fueled in part by the mistaken belief that the population can be divided neatly into "good guys" and "bad guys." In fact, crime rates are not determined by the number of at-large criminals, any more than farm production is determined by the number of farmers. Crime is a choice, a choice that is influenced by available opportunities as much as by character. This perspective, drawn from economic theory, supports a multi-faceted approach to crime control. Dr. Cook’s presentation will include examples of effective programs and policies from both sides of the ledger - both people-changing, and opportunity-changing.
When: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Where: Office of Justice Programs, 3rd Floor Ballroom, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. RSVP: Contact Yolanda Curtis at Yolanda.Curtis@usdoj.gov or 202-305-2554 The seminar is free but you must RSVP to gain access to the OJP building. Please allow 20 minutes to get through security.

Publication: TechBeat Article - Training Sampler

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:24:54 -0500

As a key part of fulfilling its mission to serve state and local law enforcement, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) offers, and encourages law enforcement agencies to take advantage of, a wide variety of free training resources. NIJ sponsors an assortment of training programs, both online and in the classroom, both through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System and through other contracting agencies.

Publication: TechBeat Article - Resources for Law Enforcement

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:22:39 -0500

This article details free resources available to law enforcement.

Publication: TechBeat Article - NIJ Technology Institutes

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:20:27 -0500

NIJ, through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System, sponsors technology institutes for law enforcement, corrections and rural law enforcement. Participants share information on projects, issues and solutions, and garner valuable networking opportunities that continue long after the institute ends.

Publication: TechBeat Article - Grants Help Agencies Expand Budgets (pdf, 2 pages)

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:14:46 -0500

In these days of ever-shrinking budgets, public safety agencies are constantly on the lookout for grant dollars to help keep programs going and/or obtain new equipment. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funds physical and social science research as well as development and evaluation projects about criminal justice through competitive solicitations.

Publication: New NIJ Journal Issue Released

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:40:19 -0500

In this issue: - Responding to Transnational Crime: Supporting Research, Improving Practice - Strengthening NIJ: Mission, Science and Process - Reconsidering the Project Greenlight Intervention: Why Thinking About Risk Matters - Indigent Defense: International Perspectives and Research Needs - Final Findings From the Expert Panel on the Safety of Conducted Energy - Devices

Grant Report: A Low Cost Microfluidic Microarray System for Typing SNPs

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:19:08 -0500

Phillip Belgrader, Ph.D., Christopher Cooney, Ph.D., Alex Kukhtin, Ph.D., Steve Garber, Nitu Thakore, Maria Belgrader, Jennifer E. Reynolds, Ph.D.

Grant Report: Microfabricated Capillary Array Electrophoresis Genetic Analyzers for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat DNA Profiling

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:18:11 -0500

Richard A. Mathies

Grant Report: Population Genetics of SNPs for Forensic Purposes (Updated)

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:05:39 -0500

Kenneth K. Kidd

Grant Report: Rapid STR Prescreening of Forensic Samples at the Crime Scene

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:04:58 -0500

Micah Halpern, Dr. John Gerdes, Dr. Joan Habb, Anahita Kiavand, Dr. Jack Ballantyne, Dr. Erin Hanson

Grant Report: Sperm Capture Using Aptamer Based Technology

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:03:13 -0500

Glenn Sanders, Larry Gold, and Greggory S. LaBerge

Grant Report: Synthesis and Analytical Profiles for Regioisomeric and Isobaric Amines Related to MDMA, MDEA and MBDB: Differentiation of Drug and non-Drug Substances of Mass Spectral Equivalence

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:59:58 -0500

C. Randall Clark, Ph.D.

Grant Report: Quantifying the Specific Deterrent Effects of DNA Databases

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:59:17 -0500

The goal of this research project was to develop a sample collection system for law enforcement agents to collect, protect, and document biological evidence and to perform initial processing steps in a format compatible with rapid sample‐in to results‐out microfluidic DNA analysis.

Grant Report: CODIS STR Template Enrichment by Affinity Bead Capture and its Application in Forensic DNA Analysis

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:54:46 -0500

The objective of this project was to adapt and explore a technical application as a potential front-end treatment of a forensic sample, particularly for DNA samples that are not currently amenable to conventional methods, to improve the probability that such samples could be evaluated with currently validated approaches.

Grant Report: Role and Impact of Forensic Evidence in the Criminal Justice System, Final Report (pdf, 130 pages)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:31:17 -0500

One of the key findings from this study is that forensic evidence is collected in almost all homicides and the majority of sexual assaults but then drops considerably for aggravated assaults, robberies, and burglaries.

Grant Report: Role and Impact of Forensic Evidence in the Criminal Justice System, Executive Summary (pdf, 12 pages)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:29:34 -0500

Grant Report: A Model of Static and Dynamic Sex Offender Risk Assessment (pdf, 96 pages)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:26:35 -0500

The purpose of the present study was to test models of combining static and dynamic risk measures that might predict sexual recidivism among adult male sex offenders better than any one type of measure alone. Study participants were 759 adult male sex offenders under correctional supervision in Vermont who were enrolled in community sex offender treatment between 2001 and 2007.

Grant Report: Neighborhoods, Recidivism, and Employment Among Returning Prisoners (pdf, 132 pages)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:25:38 -0500

This research fills an important gap in the literature on prisoner reentry by focusing on the role that community context plays in the labor market outcomes and recidivism of former prisoners.

Grant Report: Doing Death in Texas: Language and Jury Decision-Making in Texas Death Penalty Trials (pdf, 317 pages)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:23:40 -0500

This dissertation explores the means through which language and culture make death penalty decisions possible, how specific language choices mediate and restrict jurors', attorneys', and judges' actions and experiences while serving and reflecting on capital trials. More specifically, it investigates how discursive constructions of place and space are mobilized within trial participants' argumentation and reasoning about death penalty decisions; grammatical and semantic forms as both facilitating and stymying empathic and emotional experiences; and how language mediates jurors' understandings and judgments about agency and culpability, regarding both defendants' criminal actions and their own sentencing decisions.

Director's Corner: The Challenges of Deficit-Driven Budgets

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:35:30 -0500

Dr. John H. Laub spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) in Washington, DC, on November 2 and 3. Along with several other leaders in the social sciences, he served on a panel titled "Challenges for Social/Behavioral Sciences in the Deficit Driven Federal Budget Climate."

Press Release: Research Shows That School-Level Interventions Reduce Dating Violence by up to 50 Percent

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:37:50 -0500

The Department of Justice announced new research from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) that finds school-level interventions reduced dating violence among middle school students by up to 50 percent in 30 New York City public schools. "The success of school-level interventions is particularly important because they can be implemented with very few extra costs to schools. The scientific methods in this study were rigorous," said John H. Laub, Ph.D., Director of the National Institute of Justice. "They show the potential for science to support successful, cost-effective options."

Grant Report: Shifting Boundaries: Final Report on an Experimental Evaluation of a Youth Dating Violence Prevention Program in New York City Middle Schools (pdf, 322 pages).

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 13:42:44 -0500

This newly released NIJ-funded study found that school-level interventions reduced dating violence among middle school students by up to 50 percent. The multi-level, randomized control trial studied the effectiveness of school-level and classroom-level interventions, as well as a combination of the two, in reducing dating violence and sexual harassment in 30 public middle schools in New York City.
School-level interventions include using temporary school-based restraining orders, higher levels of faculty and security presence in areas identified as "hot spots," and posters to increase awareness and encourage reporting of incidents to school officials.

Video: Michel Moore, Director, Office of Special Operations, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles, on Collaboration Between Researchers and Law Enforcement Agencies

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 14:03:41 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Edward Latessa, University of Cincinnati, on Crimesolutions.gov: "What Works" in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice and Crime Victim Services

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:00:50 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Patrick Gallagher, Director of NIST, on Translating Science from Research Agencies to Policymakers and Practitioners

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 08:59:40 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video:John E. Shanks, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, on Keeping Police Officers Safe on the Road

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:57:29 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Michael Davis, Chief of Police, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Minn., on Beyond Community Policing: The Importance of Community Building

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:57:28 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Edward Davis, Police Commissioner, Boston Police Department,, on Action Research and the Community to Criminal Justice Feedback Loop

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:57:28 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Tom Simon, Centers for Disease Control, on Preventing Kids From Gang-Joining: Collaboration Matters

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 08:45:20 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Video: Mario Maciel, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, on Diminishing Resources & Gang Prevention

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 08:45:20 -0400

This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

Publication: Police Recruitment and Retention in the Contemporary Urban Environment

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:11:45 -0400

by Jeremy M. Wilson, Clifford A. Grammich

NIJ.gov: Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance Program Roundtable Summary

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:07:22 -0400

Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance Program Roundtable Summary Arlington, VA, June 2-3, 2011

NIJ.gov: Longitudinal Data on Teen Dating Violence: Meeting Summary

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:06:25 -0400

Longitudinal Data on Teen Dating Violence: Meeting Summary June 7-8, 2011 Washington, D.C.

NIJ Stab-Resistant Armor Standard Workshop, November 29, 2011

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:03:56 -0400

The NIJ and the National Institute of Standards and Technology are jointly hosting a workshop focused on the NIJ Stab-resistant Body Armor Standard, and the discussion is directed toward manufacturers, certification bodies, and test laboratories. This workshop is being held specifically to discuss with interested parties recent progress made toward the revised NIJ Stab-resistant Body Armor Standard and to receive input, comments, and re commendations.

NIJ Ballistic-resistant Body Armor Standard Workshop, November 29, 2011

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:02:11 -0400

The NIJ and the National Institute of Standards and Technology are jointly hosting a workshop focused on the NIJ Ballistic-resistant Body Armor Standard, and the discussion is directed toward manufacturers, certification bodies, and test laboratories. This workshop is being held specifically to discuss with interested parties recent progress made toward the revised NIJ Ballistic-resistant Body Armor Standard and to receive input, comments, and re commendations.

Publication: Taking Stock: Report From the 2010 Roundtable on the State and Local Law Enforcement Police Pattern or Practice Program (42 USC § 14141)

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:07:38 -0400

On June 21, 2010, the Civil Rights Division (CRT) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) convened a roundtable of invited law enforcement officials, researchers and consultants to review and discuss DOJ‘s Police Pattern or Practice Program and authority under 42 USC § 14141.

Funding: NIJ 2011 Fiscal Year Awards

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:36:48 -0400

NIJ has released the list of its 2011 Fiscal Year Awards. NIJ awarded 387 grants and cooperative agreements for a total of approximately $207 million. Awards were made in response to 32 solicitations.

Grant Report: Lifecourse Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking among Filipina, Indian, and Pakistani Women: Implications for Justice System Responses

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:11:54 -0400

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) in Asian communities is critical given a nexus of interrelated, complex factors: high prevalence estimates of IPV against Asian women, the over-representation of Asian victims in IPV-related homicides, the lack of socio-culturally tailored and linguistically accessible assistance programs, the under-utilization of outside help by Asian battered women, and myriad structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers to helpseeking. There are virtually no studies that specifically examine Asian battered women’s experiences with the criminal justice system (CJS). Research on IPV over the lifecourse and related help-seeking efforts is also scarce but necessary given that IPV often recurs over the lifecourse and that survivors’ decisions to seek help and the preferred and actual sources of help change over time and are shaped by the current situation, as well as past experiences of IPV and help-seeking.

Grant Report: Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of an Intensive Community Corrections Program Day Reporting Centers For Parolees

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:10:06 -0400

The present study is an experimental evaluation of the relative effectiveness of an intensive community corrections program, often referred to as a Day Reporting Center (DRC), versus an intensive supervision parole condition (Phase I). DRC is a program that brings groups of parolees together from throughout a municipality or larger geographic area for supervision, services, and programming, and requires them to spend significant amounts of time together on a daily basis. Alternatively, Phase I is an individual-based intensive supervision with referral to services and with additional conditions imposed.

Grant Report: Increasing Efficiency through Restructuring the Processing of Known Standards

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:07:23 -0400

The Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory sought to increase its efficiency through the validation of a rapid extraction and analysis method for the processing of known DNA standards. This new method also entailed changes in section workflow such that known standards were batched separately to be processed by technicians, allowing analysts to dedicate more time to casework samples. Throughout 2009, 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, this efficiency project was implemented.

Grant Report: Dynamics of Methamphetamine Markets in New York City: Final Technical Report to the National Institute of Justice

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:02:09 -0400

This study piloted an innovative research design mixing qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, and social network analysis, that addresses a gap in information on retail methamphetamine markets and the role of illicit drug markets in consumption. Based on a sample of 132 methamphetamine users, buyers and sellers in New York City (NYC), findings describe a bifurcated market defined by differences in sexual identity, drug use behaviors, social network characteristics, and drug market behaviors.

Video: Interview with NIJ Director John Laub and Robert Sampson - The Stockholm Prize in Criminology

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:02:45 -0400

John Laub, Director, Director, National Institute of Justice Robert Sampson, Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences, Harvard University NIJ Conference 2011 June 20-22 This interview was conducted at the 2011 NIJ Conference in Arlington, VA. Visit http://www.nij.gov/events/welcome.htm for more information.

NIJ.gov: Officer Safety Projects

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:41:08 -0400

NIJ supports work to study and improve officer performance and safety on several fronts. View a list of projects funded to accomplish those aims.

Awards: Scientific Method Used to Validate Hawaii Probation Success

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:27:51 -0400

NIJ and the Bureau of Justice Assistance have announced a joint project to replicate and evaluate an innovative court-based program used in Hawaii that has been shown to prevent probationers from re-offending. BJA made awards to four sites to implement the Hawaii model. NIJ awarded funding to an evaluation team at RTI International to determine the impact of the program and identify the likely challenges and costs a jurisdiction should expect when implementing it.

Publication: Expert Working Group Report: International Perspectives on Indigent Defense

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:51:41 -0400

In January 2011, the Department‘s Access to Justice Initiative (ATJ) and National Institute of Justice‘s (NIJ) International Center jointly convened an Expert Working Group (EWG) on International Perspectives on Indigent Defense to explore domestic and international practices in indigent defense.

This report provides an overview of the EWG‘s discussions and includes the breakout groups‘ recommendations following the summary of the corresponding panel presentations.

Publication: Geography and Public Safety Bulletin

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:17:38 -0400

A new issue of the Geography and Public Safety Bulletin has been released by the COPS Office. The latest edition includes articles on: - Full spectrum use of GIS by law enforcement - Integration of centralized intelligence with GIS - Engaging the community - Measuring diffusion of benefits and displacement near public surveillance systems - Streamlining Police Databases

Stab Resistant Body Armor: View a list of all models that comply with the NIJ Standard 0115.00

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:42:51 -0400

NIJ.gov now offers a listing of all the body armor models found to be compliant with the NIJ standard. The list is updated as soon as new armor is found compliant and is provided by the National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center National, which administers the body armor testing program.

Ballistic Resistant Body Armor: View a list of all models that comply with the NIJ Standard 0101.06

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:36:26 -0400

Awards: NIJ Awards 2011 Fellowships

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:34:53 -0400

NIJ has named recipients of three fellowship programs: Visiting Fellows, Graduate Research Fellows, and W.E.B. Du Bois Fellows. These programs help NIJ strengthen criminal justice research and give emerging scholars the opportunity to expose their work to a wider audience.

Directors's Corner: Conversation with John Laub and Rob Sampson on the research that earned them the Stockholm Prize

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:32:28 -0400

As some of you may know, my long-time research partner, Rob Sampson, and I received the 2011 Stockholm Prize in Criminology for our work on how and why criminals stop offending. A few days after we accepted the award (from Sweden's Queen Silvia!), Rob and I sat down during the NIJ Conference to talk about our work. As you will see in this 20-minute video, it all started in 1986 when I was doing research on the lives and the work of Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, two criminologists at the Harvard Law School. One day, I asked a little white-haired archivist in the Harvard Law School Library what ever happened to the Gluecks' data.

Grant Report: Residence Restriction Legislation, Sex Crime Rates, and the Spatial Distribution of Sex Offender Residences

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:07:22 -0400

Residence restrictions are one of the most recent, and most controversial, public policies seeking to protect community members from registered sex offenders (RSOs) reentering society following incarceration.These policies, first passed in 1995 at the state level and in 2005 at the county and local level, have become extremely popular throughout the United States, but without proof that they are effective. To date, the research on these policies has been extremely limited, and has largely focused on the unintended consequences that these policies cause for RSOs, typically as a result of reduced housing options. This study addresses this lack of research by examining four issues: 1) the characteristics of counties passing these policies, 2) the efficacy of county residence restrictions to reduce sex crime rates in New York State, 3) whether these policies are associated with the spatial distribution (i.e., clustering or dispersion) of RSO residences in upstate New York neighborhoods, and 4) whether this spatial distribution is in turn associated with differences in county-level recidivistic sex crime rates. In doing so, this study draws on a number of diverse literatures, including the diffusion of policy innovations, incapacitation and deterrence theories, reentry and rehabilitation research, and the conceptualization and measurement of the spatial distribution of ex-offender residence.

Grant Report: Understanding Developmental Crime Trajectories at Places: Social Disorganization and Opportunity Perspectives at Micro Units of Geography

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:06:12 -0400

For the last century criminologists have focused on describing the nature and causes of individual offending. In this report we turn our attention to a different problem that has only recently drawn criminological attention, but has the potential to improve our predictions of crime and also our ability to develop practical crime prevention. Our focus is on how crime distributes across very small units of geography. A Chinese proverb suggests that neighbors next door are more important than relatives far away. We argue that the action of crime research and practice should be focused much more on micro crime places.

Grant Report: Understanding Developmental Crime Trajectories at Places: Social Disorganization and Opportunity Perspectives at Micro Units of Geography, Executive Summary

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 11:03:46 -0400

Director's Corner: Restructuring NIJ to improve our science mission.

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 08:03:53 -0400

One of my priorities this past year has been to strengthen the science mission of NIJ. We have manifested this in several ways and one new step I am taking is a restructuring of the Institute to support strengthening our science mission. Here are the highlights of the plan, which went into effect September 12 when I held an all staff meeting to present the plan and engage in a question and answer session.

Awards: NIJ Drugs and Crime research project list updated with fiscal year 2011 awards

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 09:30:53 -0400

This shows awards made by NIJ for drugs and crime research projects.

Awards: DNA Backlog Reduction Program awards for fiscal year 2011

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 08:56:40 -0400

NIJ's DNA Backlog Reduction Program assists eligible States and units of local government to process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples and to increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples. This table below shows the fiscal year 2011 awards made under this program.

Publication: NIJ Research Report Digest, Issue 3

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:17:32 -0400

In NIJ's Research Report Digest, you will find brief descriptions of studies in various criminal justice disciplines, such as criminology and forensic sciences, and evaluations of technologies in the law enforcement and corrections fields. This issue includes reports based on NIJ-funded research that were added to the NCJRS Abstracts Database from January-March, 2011.

Teen Dating Violence Web Page

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:59:24 -0400

Teen dating violence -- also called intimate relationship violence or intimate partner violence among adolescents or adolescent relationship abuse -- includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.

NIJ Financial and Award Data

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:57:23 -0400

On this page find the following charts and tables: Number of Awards Made Fiscal Years 1999-2010, Sources of NIJ Funds from Fiscal Years 2001-2010, Allocation of NIJ Funds as a Percentage of Total Funding for Fiscal Year 2010, Funding for DNA Related Forensic Programs and Activities for Fiscal Year 2010, and the Nature of Bureau of Justice Assistance-Funded Evaluation Research and Development Activities under the Byrne Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs 2010

Multimedia Resources from DNA.gov Training

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:02:48 -0400

DNA.gov -- administered by NIJ -- offers free, self-paced online courses that include videos and animations developed with funding from NIJ. You are free and encouraged to use these as a resources in your own classrooms or other work. We ask only that you acknowledge DNA.gov and NIJ as the source.

Video: 10th Anniversary of 9/11: Advances in Social Sciences

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:01:42 -0400

The tragedy of 9/11 posed unprecedented challenges to forensic science, social science, and physical science and technology -- the three bedrock sciences at NIJ. Recovering from the attack and preventing another one have became topmost priorities in the 10 years since the attack. As we approach the 10th anniversary, Gary LaFree discusses how that fateful day impacted social scientific priorities and the outcomes from those changes.

Publication: InShort - Electronic Monitoring Reduces Recidivism

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:51:44 -0400

A summary of 'A Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Electronic Monitoring' by William Bales, et al.
The study, which examined data gathered from supervisees in Florida between 2001 and 2007, found that electronic monitoring reduces offenders’ risk of failing to meet the terms of their probation and monitoring by 31 percent.

NIJ's Charles Heurich and the NamUs Team Win the 2011 Service to America Medal

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:04:06 -0400

For the second time in four years NIJ has received this award. We are proud of the work that earned Charles Heurich and the NamUs team the 2011 medal.

Publication: NIJ Author Guidelines and Editorial Style manual

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:19:05 -0400

NIJ has released an updated version of its internal editorial style manual. This comprehensive style guide serves as a resource for NIJ content providers across all media.

Impact of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on Research

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:04:39 -0400

The pressing need to respond to the disaster of 9/11, understand terrorist behavior and prevent future terrorist acts has shaped NIJ’s research, development and evaluation agenda. Since the attacks, the Institute has brought its expertise in forensics, technology and social science to bear on various areas related to terrorism, from DNA identification in mass disasters to improving the criminal justice response to terrorism incidents to analyzing terrorism databases.

Training: Internet Crimes Against Children Specialized Investigative Techniques - Cell Phone Investigation, Collection and Law

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:06:22 -0400

In partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the National Forensic Science Technology Center and the High Tech Crime Institute are teaming to deliver the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Special Investigative Techniques - Cell Phone Investigation, Collection and Law course at no cost to ICAC Task Force members and other investigators. This course provides crucial skills for investigators and first responders responsible for handling cellular and other mobile devices including effective techniques for properly obtaining, collecting and storing digital media devices and evidence. The three-day, hands-on program will be offered multiple times through fall of 2012 at locations throughout the country. There is no prerequisite for this course; however, participants should have a working knowledge of the Internet and basic computer skills.

Video: A Look at NIJ Standards and Testing

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:20:27 -0400

NIJ Conference Interview, June 2011 Debra Stoe, National Institute of Justice Tom Sharkey, National Bomb Squad Advisory Committee Ed Bailor, U.S. Capitol Police (ret.).

Video: Terrorism Research Before and After 9/11

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:19:15 -0400

NIJ Conference Interview, June 2011 Gary LaFree, Director of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism, University of Maryland

Video: Learning from 9/11: Forensic Science and Identifying Human Remains

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:17:52 -0400

NIJ Conference Interview, June 2011 Robert Shaler, Pennsylvania State University (ret.).

Video: Making Community Supervision Safer through Electronic Monitoring

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:16:10 -0400

Making Community Supervision Safer through Electronic Monitoring NIJ Conference Interview - June 2011 George Drake, Community Corrections Program Manager
Corrections Technology Center of Excellence

Video Systems Standards Workshops

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 08:58:05 -0400

NIJ and the International Association of Chiefs of Police are hosting two workshops in conjunction with the 118th Annual IACP Conference in Chicago, Ill, on Oct. 22, 2011. The focus of the workshops is the development of NIJ performance standards for Interview Room Recording Systems and License Plate Readers used by law enforcement agencies. Sessions are intended to inform manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies and other interested parties of these standards development efforts. Attendees in each workshop will be provided with an overview of the NIJ standards development process, work to date on the effort and a projected timeline for completion.

Comments sought: Law Enforcement Vehicular Digital Multimedia Evidence Recording System (VDMERS) Standard, Certification Program Requirements, and Selection and Application Guide

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 08:48:00 -0400

In an effort to obtain comments from interested parties, NIJ has made available three draft documents related to Vehicular Digital Multimedia Evidence Recording Systems used by law enforcement agencies.

Grant Report: Chattanooga Endeavors Building Bridges Program Evaluation: Outcomes Report

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:19:00 -0400

by Christine Leicht, Martha Heberlein, Linda Broyles, Aaron Chalfin, Bogdan Tereschenko, John Roman, Caterina G. Roman, Christine Arriola
ICF International, University of Tennessee College of Social Work, Urban Institute

Grant Report: In-Car Video Technical Support

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:15:31 -0400

by Herbert Blitzer

Grant Report: Automatic Fingerprint Matching Using Extended Feature Set

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:13:22 -0400

by Anil K. Jain, Michigan State University

Grant Report: Microscopic Analysis of Sharp Force Trauma in Bone and Cartilage: A Validation Study

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 14:03:17 -0400

by Christian Crowder Ph.D., Christopher Rainwater M.S., Jeannette S. Fridie M.A.

Grant Report: Automated Detection and Prevention of Disorderly and Criminal Activities

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:57:54 -0400

This document is the final report for the NIJ research program, Automated Detection and Prevention of Disorderly and Criminal Activities. The goal of this program is to develop methods for automatically detecting and preventing criminal and disorderly activities using an intelligent video system. A particular emphasis of this program is to develop methods that can operate in crowded environments such as prisons, public parks and schools where a large number of people can be present and interact with each other. In addition, the developed technology is going beyond simple motion-based behavior features toward estimating meaningful social relationships between people and groups and use of this information for semantically high-level behavior and scenario recognition.

Director's Corner - Feedback from the Field: How Your Colleagues Are Using NIJ's Work

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:07:34 -0400

We frequently receive feedback from the field about how our research and training tools are being used. Let me share a few anecdotes that have come in recently.

Grant Report: Countering the Threat of Jammers to Offender Tracking Programs

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:59:24 -0400

The Corrections Technology Center of Excellence has developed a fact sheet titled Countering the Threat of Jammers to Offender Tracking Programs.
This material is considered to be "Limited Official Use" and will be made available to public-sector criminal justice agencies only. To receive a copy of this fact sheet please send a request on your agency's official letterhead via e-mail to Sue Kaessner at sue.kaessner@correctionscoe.org. The request must reference the Jammer fact sheet and include your name, title, telephone number and e-mail address.

Publication: Contraband Cell Phones in Prisons - Possible Wireless Technology Solutions

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:55:25 -0400

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) submits this report in response to a direction from Congress in December 2009 that NTIA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), develop a plan to investigate and evaluate wireless jamming, detection, and other technologies that might be used to prevent contraband cell phone use by prison inmates. NTIA has identified and evaluated several technology solutions for this report that can be used in a prison environment, including jamming, managed access, and detection techniques. In the preparation of this report, NTIA sought input from the FCC, NIJ, and BOP regarding their efforts to combat contraband cell phone use.

Publication: Mental and Substance Use Disorders among Adult Men on Probation or Parole: Some Success against a Persistent Challenge

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:23:37 -0400

This report presents data on mental and substance use disorders among adult males on correctional supervised release-parole or probation-from local, state and federal prisons and jails. It examines issues that have grown increasingly salient with the rising costs associated with managing the growing community-and facility-based criminal justice population.

Grant Report: TrueCrypt Version 7.0a, Evaluation Report

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:39:23 -0400

This is a technology evaluation of TrueCrypt, a tool for performing encryption.

Grant Report: EnCase® Portable Evaluation Report

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:36:32 -0400

This is a technology evaluation of EnCase, a pocket-sized USB data collection and triage solution.

Grant Report: RedLight (Beta) Software, Version 0.1.0.0, Evaluation Report

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:32:21 -0400

This is a technology evaluation of RedLight, which is an application designed to detect pornographic image content within a computer file system. This technology is designed to assist law enforcement in investigating child pornography cases.

Grant Report: Crowbar Data Recovery Tool, Model: CSHEL-CB-1.0 Evaluation Report

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:28:47 -0400

This is a technology evaluation of the Crowbar Data Recovery Tool, which, according to the manufacturer, "allows government authorities to recover data from memory cards used in cell phones, PDAs and other devices."

Funding: NIJ's Scientific Review Panels - New "Standing" Panels for Grant Application Peer Review Beginning in 2012

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:40:07 -0400

NIJ plans to pilot standing peer review panels for five substantive areas in NIJ. NIJ's Scientific Review Panels will replace the smaller "ad hoc" review panels that have been NIJ's primary review mechanism in the past. This effort signals several important changes to strengthen NIJ's peer review of grant applications.

Publication: TechBeat Article - "DHS Saver Program"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:40:01 -0400

For any law enforcement agency, evaluating, choosing, implementing and managing new technology can be tough. To be successful, the process requires careful planning and analysis, especially for small agencies with limited resources, such as the Grover Beach Police Department in California.

Publication: TechBeat Article - "Course Offers Intense Training for Latent Print Examiners"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:37:49 -0400

This article discusses the Latent Print Examiner Training Program funded by the Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and hosted by the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC).

Publication: TechBeat Article - "Early Intervention System Secures Data, Boosts Efficiency"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:35:22 -0400

In today’s hacker-filled world, securing data is a concern for everyone including law enforcement agencies. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the police department in Virginia Beach, Va., has implemented use of an Early Intervention System (EIS) that stores data securely, eliminates duplicative efforts, reduces paperwork and streamlines the review process.

Publication: TechBeat Article - "Planning Helps Agencies Embrace Technology"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:33:55 -0400

Publication: TechBeat Article - "Popular Video Educates on School Safety"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:31:25 -0400

The Ohio School Resource Officers Association, the Boise (Idaho) Police Department and every Pennsylvania school district are just a few of the organizations that account for the countless downloads and more than 3,000 copies distributed of "It Can Happen Here," an admired school safety documentary video.

Publication: TechBeat Article - "Smartphones and Law Enforcement"

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:29:37 -0400

Law enforcement agencies are finding sophisticated uses for smartphones, those ubiquitous handheld devices that combine voice services with advanced computing ability.

New NIJ Podcast Feed

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:58:14 -0400

Subscribe to NIJ's Podcast feed to listen to interviews and presentations by some of the nation's top criminal justice researchers.

Training: Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation Training Program

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:08:31 -0400

In partnership with the National Institute of Justice, the National Forensic Science Technology Center is providing Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation Training at no cost to eligible applicants. This program is designed to expand an investigator’s baseline knowledge and skills by providing instruction related to the more complex applications and processes used to conduct a thorough crime scene investigation. This 40-hour program includes approximately 16 hours of prerequisite online theoretical course work and 24 hours of hands-on, instructor-led practical activities conducted at the NFSTC training facilities in Largo, Florida. Participants will be required to complete online course work, assignments and assessments prior to attending onsite practical instruction. This program of study may be applied to the training requirements of the International Association for Identification (IAI) Crime Scene Certification program. To learn more about this program and to register, visit http://www.nfstc.org/meetings/. Registration closes August 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST.

Training: Law 101 - Legal Guide for Forensic Experts

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:31:24 -0400

Have you ever had to testify in court? Did you know what to do or how to prepare? Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert can help. This free, self-paced, online course provides recommended practices for the forensic expert preparing to give testimony in court. It outlines the role of the forensic expert, from completing analyses to testifying. It describes, defines and illustrates many important judicial terms and processes.

Publication: Complete Fingerprint Sourcebook Published! (pdf, 422 pages, 17 MB)

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 13:56:50 -0400

The Fingerprint Sourcebook aims to be the definitive resource on the science of fingerprint identification. The Sourcebook was prepared by the International Association for Identification and topics covered include the anatomy and physiology of friction ridge skin (the uniquely ridged skin found on the palms and soles); techniques for recording exemplars from both living and deceased subjects; the FBI's Automated Fingerprint Identifications Systems (AFIS); latent print development, preservation and documentation; equipment and laboratory quality assurance; perceptual, cognitive and psychological factors in expert identifications; and legal issues.

Funding: OJP Financial Guide Updated for 2011

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 08:20:00 -0400

The OJP Financial Guide serves as the primary reference manual to assist award recipients in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility to safeguard grant funds and ensure funds are used for the purposes for which they were awarded.

Grant Report: Rapid Visualization of Biological Fluids at Crime Scenes using Optical Spectroscopy (pdf, 187 pages)

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:39:38 -0400

The objective of this research was to demonstrate proof of concept for a rapid and nondestructive tool using infrared spectroscopy for visualization of blood at crime scenes. Current visualization methods for blood are not specific, require dark conditions, and may not be very sensitive. High discriminating power is important at crime scenes so that time and resources of forensic investigators are not wasted on the collection and analysis of false positive samples.

Grant Report: The Statistical Evaluation of Torn and Cut Duct Tape Physical End Matching (pdf, 90 pages)

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:35:07 -0400

Duct tape is often found in association with criminal activity, most commonly in abductions, homicides, and the construction of explosive devices - all considered felony crimes. As such, forensic scientists are frequently asked to analyze and compare duct tape samples in order to establish possible evidentiary links between a suspect and victim, a suspect and a particular crime, or multiple crimes.
This study was designed to research duct tape physical end matching, including criteria to describe the matching process, a protocol for training analysts in physical end matching, and statistically evaluating the associated error rates and overall accuracy.

Grant Report: Quantified Assessment of AFIS Contextual Information on Accuracy and Reliability of Subsequent Examiner Conclusions (pdf, 61 pages)

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:17:44 -0400

In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of using AFIS on human decision makers, specifically examining the potentially biasing effects of AFIS contextual information on human experts.

NIJ.gov: "Reentry Into Society" - updated and expanded topical Web pages

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:26:42 -0400

Prisoner reentry is a complex issue. The transition from jail or prison to the community can be challenging not only for the offenders, but also for their families and communities. NIJ's reentry research portfolio continues to support the evaluation of innovative reentry programs, particularly statewide reentry initiatives, and research that examines the process of reentering society within the context of the community, neighborhood and family into which the former offenders return.