With this solicitation, NIJ seeks to add to the body of empirical knowledge on local jails to inform development of policy and practice, in order to improve outcomes for people confined to jails, their families, their communities, and jail personnel. NIJ requests proposals for rigorous research to examine all aspects of jail systems, including those that address the basic operations of jails and their impact on staff, incarcerated individuals, and their communities. Key priorities include promoting and supporting research that informs:
- Improving reentry outcomes for people confined to jails, as well as minimizing the negative impact of jail incarceration on the families of justice-involved individuals and their communities.
- Optimization of workforce development for jail personnel.
- Enhancement of jail operations and practices.