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Departments of corrections

Celebrating 10 Years of NIJ’s Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program - 2024 NIJ Research Conference

September 2024

In 2014, NIJ established the Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program to support research-minded, mid-career sworn law enforcement officers working to integrate research into agency policy and practice. The LEADS Scholars Program helps participants develop independent research and provides support to identify current evidence on priority issues.

Redesigning Life in U.S. Prisons

July 2024

The prison system in the U.S. typically places a heavy emphasis on security, control, and punishment, and this foundation can create an adversarial culture within correctional facilities — incarcerated individuals versus correctional staff. But what if that culture could change? What would it look like? How would it impact not only incarcerated individuals but also correctional officers and other staff?

Restoring Promise

Date Published
June 5, 2024

Positive research results from a program that aims to transform correctional culture.

Transforming Correctional Culture and Climate

Date Published
April 11, 2024

Borrowing from innovations abroad, U.S. correctional facilities are piloting more humane living environments that are grounded in principles of restorative justice to support rehabilitation and enhance safety for all who work and reside in them.