Social and Behavioral Science

With this solicitation, NIJ is seeking proposals from States and units of local government for novel and innovative methodologies for improving the efficiency and capacity of public forensic DNA laboratories through the development and adoption of an improved laboratory process, which may involve the purchase of LIMS systems, additional equipment or robotics, an expert system, or hiring additional personnel and/or contractors to help implement the...

NIJ seeks applications to research, develop, and demonstrate operations research models and methods that enable law enforcement and corrections agencies to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of their operations and to improve the judicial process. Proposed models and methods must identify and account for legal, cultural, and social factors that may affect the adoption and use of new technologies, practices, and procedures by criminal...

The field of forensic science has experienced numerous advances over the last decade. Improvements in technology have increased capabilities to utilize forensic evidence, both in terms of what can be analyzed and how quickly it can be processed. NIJ is interested in stimulating research to determine how effectively forensic evidence is being used to identify and process criminal offenders and the impact of these advances...

Over the years, NIJ has engaged in a number of research and evaluation efforts to better understand the criminal and juvenile justice problems in American Indian Alaska Native communities and the many challenges tribal nations and American Indians and Alaska Natives face. The goal of this solicitation is to fund research and evaluation that will provide much needed practical, measurable, and descriptive information on methods...

NIJ seeks applications to gain research knowledge to increase women's safety and improve the justice system and related responses to intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and teen dating violence perpetrated against women. Research is sought on women victims' safety and protection; programs and policies to hold offenders accountable; law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial responses; coordinated community responses; and effective responses to violence against women...

NIJ is soliciting applications for research and evaluation projects that advance the understanding and practice of gang prevention, intervention, and enforcement. At the group level, gangs vary from small local "crews" that are active for only a short period, to multigenerational gangs with local subgroups across multiple states or nations. Gangs also vary widely in terms of organizational sophistication. Across these group-level variations, gang membership...

NIJ is soliciting applications for research and evaluation of pretrial and jail options that promote cost-effective alternatives to detention and incarceration and protect public safety. The Institute has identified the pretrial and jail release phases of the criminal justice system as an understudied research priority. It is at these stages that case management and other key decisions affecting detention, case outcome, and sentencing are made...

NIJ is seeking applications for funding for research projects to address knowledge gaps related to trafficking in human beings in the United States. NIJ is particularly interested in research related to labor trafficking, demand reduction for sex trafficking and commercial sex acts, and in identifying and addressing issues faced by trafficking victims. All applications should be for research with direct, immediate, and obvious implications for...

NIJ is seeking applications to conduct research on policing to improve law enforcement policies and operations at the State and local levels. Effective law enforcement and crime prevention are of critical importance to ensuring the safety of communities throughout the country. Given the limited resources of most police departments and other local criminal justice agencies and groups, it is especially important to determine the effectiveness...

NIJ is seeking applications to conduct social science research on terrorism that will inform national criminal justice policy and practice. Proposed research should aim to improve criminal justice and first responder strategies for preventing, preparing for, responding to, and mitigating terrorist incidents at the Federal, State, and local levels. Applications may address either domestic or international terrorism, but research should have direct, immediate, and obvious...

NIJ is soliciting applications for research and evaluation in the area of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including abuse of individuals who reside either in the community or in residential care facilities). For the purpose of this solicitation, the term "abuse" includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, abandonment and isolation, neglect, or financial or fiduciary abuse perpetrated against any person over the age of...

The Crime and Justice Research solicitation is NIJ's "open" solicitation for social and behavioral research and evaluation on topics relevant to State and/or local criminal and juvenile justice policy and practice. Most crime and justice topics that are relevant to policymakers and practitioners are eligible for consideration. Potential applicants are encouraged to read NIJ's targeted solicitations as they are released to determine which solicitation is...