Research and development

Youth in foster care with a history of early maltreatment are at high risk for experiencing dating violence in young adulthood, and certain risk and protective factors across the developmental trajectory play important roles.

A rigorous trial application of Functional Family Therapy to youth at risk of gang involvement, or already involved, finds promising outcome and cost advantages.

NIJ creates standards for body armor, oversees compliance testing to performance standards, and funds innovative research to help safeguard law enforcement officers.

Current research suggests that body-worn cameras may offer benefits for law enforcement. However, additional research is needed to understand the value of the technology for the field.

Scientific inquiry into the process of decomposition has studied a wide range of mammals and developed a fundamental understanding of the stages of decomposition, but forensic scientists should use caution in applying nonhuman data to human bodies.

Women victimized by sexual assault often are victimized again by negative reactions of others when they first share the news they have been assaulted.

NIJ-sponsored research provides evidence that individuals in the process of becoming dangerously radicalized exhibit predictable and detectable behaviors.