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De-escalation Training: What Works, Implementation Lessons, and Taking It to Scale; Plenary at the 2023 NIJ Research Conference

August 2023

Police use of force, while infrequently used, is a tremendous concern to public safety in the United States when officers employ it excessively or inappropriately, causing injury or death and eroding public trust in law enforcement. This plenary from the 2023 NIJ Research Conference describes the Integrating, Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) de-escalation training program developed by the Police Executive Research Forum to guide officers in defusing critical incidents.

Meeting People Where They Are to Improve Institutional Culture

August 2023

Incarcerated individuals deserve opportunities for healing and growth, but they often lack the necessary resources for such opportunities. Additionally, organizational cultures that don’t support these outcomes often stand in the way. Researchers and practitioners gathered at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference to share ideas and projects that will increase opportunities for incarcerated populations around the country. This show continues their conversation. 

NIJ’s Role Under the First Step Act

The First Step Act of 2018 (the Act) aims to reform the federal prison system and reduce recidivism.

NIJ plays a key role in major components of the Act and will assist the Attorney General in —

  • Assessing the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ existing risk and needs assessment system.
  • Developing and evaluating a...

NIJ FY23 Research and Evaluation on Sentencing and Resentencing

Closing Date
Grants.gov Deadline
Application JustGrants Deadline
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation projects that inform our understanding of the impact of sentencing and resentencing policies and prison release frameworks on individuals, communities, and public safety.

NIJ FY23 Research and Evaluation on Jails

Closing Date
Grants.gov Deadline
Application JustGrants Deadline
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks to add to the body of empirical knowledge on local jails to inform development of policy and practice, in order to improve outcomes for people confined to jails, their families, their communities, and jail personnel. NIJ requests proposals for rigorous research to examine all aspects of jail systems, including those that address the basic operations of jails and their impact...