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Gangs v. Extremists: Can existing research help?

We know a lot about the workings of criminal gangs and traits of gang members. Practitioners hoped that what works against gangs could also help build community resilience to the emergence of homegrown violent extremists, but recent research suggests that gang members and domestic extremists have too few traits in common for gang programs to translate. 

Read about the project’s findings.
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Peshkova (see reuse policy).

Jail-Specific Data Analysis Considerations

A strong analytic capacity is essential for collecting and analyzing data that can immediately benefit jails. Furthermore, consistent data collection and analysis over time allows jails to derive deeper insights into their operations and provides greater opportunities for improving practices, performance, and outcomes. 

Read the white paper.
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Apply to be a Research Assistant with NIJ

The NIJ Research Assistantship Program offers highly qualified doctoral students the opportunity to bring their expertise to NIJ to work across offices and program areas to obtain a practical and applied research experience. We welcome students from all academic disciplines to apply and connect their research to the criminal justice field. 

Apply by December 23, 2020.
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NIJ awards research, development, testing, evaluation, and capacity enhancement grants.
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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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Citizen Schools Extended Learning Time Model

This is an afterschool program that prepares middle school students for academic and social success. 

Learn more.
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Make Parenting A Pleasure

This prevention program seeks to build parenting skills and provide support to parents of young children, to reduce the likelihood of negative lifelong impacts on children’s physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Learn more.
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Operation Regional Analytics for the Safety of Our Residents

This was a modified focused deterrence program that targeted high-risk offenders in Massachusetts. 

Learn more.
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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.