Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
Novel Technique Improves Analysis of Thermally Unstable Illicit Drugs
Analyzing illicit drugs such as methamphetamine is difficult because the drugs break down when heated in gas chromatographs. Investigators determined that a new method can avoid the heat issue and improve results.
Law Enforcement Looks to Research to Help Fight the Opioid Crisis
For law enforcement, overcoming the opioid crisis will mean gaining a deep, science-driven understanding of its dimensions. NIJ gathered a cross section of experts to identify priority research needs and action items.
Problem-Solving Courts: Fighting Crime by Treating the Offender
Spreading the Word on Novel Drugs
Extending the Period for Detecting Illicit Drugs in the Bloodstream
NIJ-funded researchers adapted a method used to detect human exposure to environmental and occupational chemicals to significantly extend the limited time period when tests can identify evidence of certain illicit drugs in the body.
Effects of the Second Step Program in Middle School on Violence, Victimization, and Substance Use in High School
NIJ-funded researchers looked at the effect of the program on participants in their high school years.
Adult Drug Court Research to Practice (R2P) Initiative
Identifying New Illicit Drugs and Sounding the Alarm in Real Time
Studying the Relationship Between Drugs and Crime
Rigorous Multi-Site Evaluation Finds HOPE Probation Model Offers No Advantage Over Conventional Probation in Four Study Sites
An exacting, multi-site study of the Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement ("HOPE") probation model finds that, on key measures of effectiveness, the model may offer no advantage over conventional probation programs.
Notes from the Field: The Medical Examiner’s Office as a Focal Point in Fighting the Opioid Crisis
Notes from the Field: Lessons Learned From the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic
Researchers Improve Accuracy by Combining Testing Methods for Emerging Recreational Drugs
Researchers conducted a systematic study of microcrystalline tests for emerging illicit drugs and then examined the infrared spectra of the microcrystals to create a database to mitigate subjectivity of the tests.
Distinguishing Between Structurally Similar Designer Drugs Using an Advanced Method of Chromatography
Identifying a new drug that is very similar in structure to other drugs is important for investigators. Researchers in this project determined that these drugs may be better separated using ultra high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography.
Synthetic Cathinones Stored in Biological Evidence Can Be Unstable
Synthetic cathinones, a class of mood-altering stimulants popular among recreational drug users, can be unstable when stored in blood or urine samples, and may be problematic when used as evidence in court.
Florida Legislation Helps Reduce the Number of “Pill Mills”
Researchers funded by NIJ studied the effects of Florida laws to address the opioid epidemic and found that they did indeed help reduce the number of “pill mill” clinics.