This article describes and provides examples of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) promotion of new technologies that assist corrections practitioners in their work.
NIJ funds research and development that produces technology that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of corrections work with offenders. It also provides technical assistance to practitioners in the field and an information clearinghouse for technologies that are useful in criminal justice work. NIJ also develops performance standards for critical eqipment, such as stab-resistant body armor. NIJ works closely with the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center - Rocky Mountain Region (NLECTC-RM) in partnership with NIJ's Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence. The Rocky Mountain Technology Assessment Committee (RMTAC) assists correctional agencies in anticipating technology needs, decide what technologies to buy, and learn how to use them. The Institutional Corrections Technology Working Group develops user guides for technology implementation. The first user guide addresses the use of green technologies that ensure the design, construction and operation of corrections facilities are environmentally friendly. Another technology developed under NIJ sponsorship is computer software called Field Search, which enables probation and parole officers who manage sex offenders to scan an offender's computer for child pornography and other computer uses that may violate probation/parole conditions.