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A Challenge to Reduce Recidivism

Data science can potentially contribute to factors of successful reentry, such as identifying gender-specific needs and reducing racial bias in risk assessments. We launched the Recidivism Challenge to invite our nations brightest data minds to help the corrections community support those at risk of recidivating. $723,000 in prizes is available for the most fair and accurate forecasts.

Enter and share the Challenge.
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Alex Green (see reuse policy).

Combatting Organizational Stress in Corrections

New NIJ-funded research will give correctional and law enforcement policymakers and practitioners a better understanding of how the internal characteristics of their agencies, coupled with the normal demands of an officer’s job, can place extreme stress on officers—and how to limit the dangerous impact if stress. 

Read the article.
NamUs
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What is NamUs?

NIJ’s Term of the Month promotes research-based definitions of criminal justice terms. If you haven’t heard of NamUs — the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System — it’s a publicly accessible program funded by NIJ that provides forensic odontology, fingerprint examination, forensic anthropology, and DNA analysis to connect cases and identify the missing. 

Learn how you can use NamUs.

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Find funding opportunities

NIJ awards research, development, testing, and evaluation grants.
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Read the latest

Review a list of publications and articles from both NIJ and the researchers we fund.
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Check out a list of our upcoming events. If you don't see anything of interest, we also offer a number of recorded, on-demand event and training opportunities.
Browse all topics

Browse all topics

Find articles and other information on a wide variety of criminal justice topics.

Recently Rated by NIJ's CrimeSolutions

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Tulsa (OK) Family Drug Court

This is a treatment court dedicated to cases of child abuse and neglect, in which parental substance abuse is one of the primary reasons for child welfare involvement. The program provides parenting training in conjunction with substance abuse treatment to improve family relationships and increase the likelihood of reunification.

Learn about this effective drug court program.
Green card with a checkmarked box that says "Effective"

Specialized Multi Agency Response Team (SMART)

This is a multi-agency team-based, drug-control program in Oakland, Calif., which is designed to reduce drug-related problems and improve habitation conditions at targeted problem areas. 

Review this drug court program rating.
Green card with a checkmarked box that says "Effective"

Family Drug Treatment Court (Snohomish County, WA)

This is a program for parents who have substance abuse allegations and are involved in the child welfare system. 

Review this program to help unite families after drug court.
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Motorion/iStock (see reuse policy).

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 prisoner risk and needs assessment system, and develop recommendations regarding effective evidence-based recidivism reduction programs and activities.

Learn about NIJ’s role under the First Step Act.