NIJ is seeking input as we develop a Public Access Plan to increase access to publications and data resulting from NIJ-funded research. Ensuring broad access to the products of NIJ-sponsored research is critical to achieving our mission to provide evidence, data, and tools to inform criminal and juvenile justice communities, victims services providers, and the public. The goals of the plan are to expand timely access to the results of NIJ-funded research and the data underpinning it. Facilitating access to both publications and data without barriers increases transparency and reproducibility. This has the potential to accelerate new discoveries and practical applications and contribute to evidence-based changes in policy and practice, which is all in the public interest.
See the Federal Register announcement for more details and how to provide comments, which are due by 5 pm ET on November 29, 2024.
Tech-Based, Victim-Service Evaluations
It’s essential to understand the diverse needs of victims and how different types of services can best support them. Three NIJ-funded evaluations enhance our understanding of the effectiveness of technology-based services for victims who experience crime and violence, and fuel future research to advance these services.
Evaluating a Prison’s Needs Assessment Tool
The First Step Act prompted the Federal Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement their needs assessment system, Standardized Prisoner Assessment for Reduction in Criminality (SPARC-13). A new, NIJ-funded evaluation of SPARC-13, including a review of its development, implementation, and use, provides insights to support future work with the tool, and ultimately better serve the needs of those in custody.
Alternative Traffic Enforcement Strategies and Research Opportunities
Alternative traffic enforcement is an emerging crime and justice issue prompted by documented disparities and dangers associated with traffic stops that impact public and law enforcement safety. A new NIJ article explores the research around reforms and alternatives to police-involved traffic enforcement, findings from existing program evaluations, and opportunities for future research.
Term of the Month — Ballistic Resistance
Last November, NIJ issued updates for testing ballistic resistant body armor and ballistic threat levels. These new specifications include improved testing methods for armor designed for women, additional requirements for hard and soft armor components, and ballistic threat standards for varying ammunition types. Learn about the science behind how NIJ’s Compliance Testing Program develops and tests body armor standards for ballistic resistance.
Criminal Justice Data Archives
The National Archive of Criminal Justice Data archives data on crime and justice and contains data from over 2,700 curated studies or statistical data series. The website is home to several large-scale datasets, including the National Crime Victimization Survey, FBI's Uniform Crime Reports and National Incident-Based Reporting System, and the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods.
List of Compliant Ballistic Resistant Body Armor
NIJ certifies torso-worn ballistic resistant body armor for law enforcement that complies with the requirements our Compliance Testing Program. If you’re in the law enforcement profession, review a newly updated list of all compliant armor, searching by manufacturing company, gender, threat levels, and other factors.
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CrimeSolutions Program and Practice Ratings
PSYCHOPATHY.COMP (Portugal)
This is an individual compassion-focused, therapy-based intervention adapted from traditional compassionate-focused therapy to reduce psychopathic traits in youth in a correctional setting in Portugal.
Police Body-Worn Cameras (Boston, Massachusetts)
This involves police officers wearing cameras on their uniforms to improve the civility of their interactions with citizens.
Imprisonment for Individuals Who Committed a Drunk Driving Offense (New South Wales, Australia)
This involves prison time for individuals who have committed drunk-driving offenses to reduce their risk of recidivism upon their release.
The First Step Act
The First Step Act of 2018 aims to reform the federal prison system and reduce recidivism. NIJ is working to assess and develop an existing risk and needs assessment system for incarcerated individuals, and develop recommendations regarding effective evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and activities.