Exploring the Federal Research Role in Crime Control Policy

• NCJ Number: 164502
• Author(s): J. Travis
• Date Published: January 1995
• Length: 16 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

The Federal research role in crime control was addressed by the Director of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at a 1995 colloquium at the New York University School of Law.

Abstract

Established as the research arm of the Department of Justice, the NIJ is concerned about crime and violence and recognizes the importance of translating research into practice and developing effective crime control policies. The NIJ receives substantial funding from the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Provisions of this act fall into four categories: (1) Federal crimes, prohibitions, and penalties; (2) provisions that strengthen the Federal role in providing for public safety and assist local governments in meeting certain obligations; (3) crime control innovations; and (4) crime prevention programs. In particular, the act focuses on policing innovations, prison construction, a multidisciplinary approach to domestic violence, drug courts, and juvenile crime prevention. The NIJ considers crime to be a national problem and encourages intergovernmental crime control partnerships involving Federal, State, and local governments. The need for adequate commitment to and conduct of criminal justice research is examined in the context of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Research priorities of the NIJ are noted that focus on juvenile violence, punishment and sentencing options, and the relationship between drugs and crime. 28 notes