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In 2004, the National Institute of Justice created the social science research on forensic sciences (SSRFS) research program to explore the impact of forensic sciences on the criminal justice system and the administration of justice. Much of the early research from the SSRFS program focused on DNA processing and the use of DNA in investigations and prosecutions.
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Crime laboratory and law enforcement personnel from three states discuss the value the NIJ-FBI Sexual Assault Kit Partnership to test sexual assault evidence and obtain investigatory leads.
During this partnership, NIJ is working with the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, to test eligible kits from law enforcement agencies and laboratories across the country and develop best practices that can improve the quality and speed of sexual assault kit processing.
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and I want to take this opportunity to reflect upon all the strides we have made to sexual assault response practice as a country, and how the lessons learned, investments, and technological advances have made it possible for the apprehension of more criminals, and for victims of sexual assault to find closure.
While it is important to celebrate victories...
While NIJ is proud of the progress we have made, we know there is still a great deal more to be done to improve sexual assault investigations, provide trauma-informed support to victims, and strengthen the efficiency of sexual assault kit testing.
–Nancy Rodriguez
Sexual assault is a traumatic crime with a wide range of impacts on both the victim and public safety. Over the last...
With support from the National Institute of Justice, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the state of Nevada teamed up to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits.
NIJ, in conjunction with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is seeking applications to conduct preliminary evaluation activities to inform a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of the SAKI Initiative. Proposals are being sought in three areas of interest: 1. Conduct process evaluations, including descriptive case studies, of up to five advanced sites to provide important information for newer sites regarding what works. 2. Conduct evaluability assessments...
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