NCJ Number
250247
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 75 Dated: November 2008
Date Published
November 2008
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The Director of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), David Hagy, describes current NIJ research projects designed to benefit the U.S. law enforcement community and describes opportunities for law enforcement leaders to provide input to NIJ on how it can assist them in their work.
Abstract
Three recently approved studies are described. In one study, Michigan State University will identify obstacles to intelligence-gathering and information-sharing, as well as develop best practices for integrating local-level domestic intelligence into the information-sharing network. In a second study, researchers from RAND's Center on Quality Policing are investigating how five large urban police departments are balancing their traditional responsibilities with the increased emphasis on preventing terrorist attacks. A third project involves the building of a national research "platform" about policing in the United States. The goal is to understand and measure quality policing. The first phase of the project focuses on critical issues such as turnover, recruitment and training, misconduct lawsuits, and medical leave. The other phases will focus on the structure, practices, and culture of an agency (phase two) and how agencies introduce and test innovative training and operational initiatives (phase three). NIJ also recently released research about what happens when agencies collect DNA at the scene of a property crime. This presentation also describes opportunities for law enforcement agencies to provide input to NIJ on areas of law enforcement that may need research. Steering committees, advisory boards, and technical working groups are critical to shaping NIJ's agenda based on the problems and needs being experienced at the agency level.
Date Published: November 1, 2008