Notice
In fiscal year 2020, all state and local forensic capacity enhancement programs previously administered by NIJ, including most of the programs listed on this page, moved to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA is releasing 2020 solicitations associated with the programs listed below. Learn more about this realignment and view a list of open solicitations.
NIJ will continue to administer the Research and Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories Program, NamUs, and forensic science research and development projects.
We are dedicated to improving the understanding of crime and justice issues through science. Since 2004, NIJ has received annual appropriations for the purposes of various DNA and other forensic science activities. These purposes include support for DNA analysis and laboratory capacity enhancement and support for the forensic science research, development and evaluation that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science and therefore reduce crime and improve public safety.
Each year we consider how to allocate DNA and other forensic activity funds based on needs such as the demand to increase capacity and reduce DNA backlog, NIJ technology working group recommendations, results from studies and new findings, and strategic priorities and perspectives for each of the programs.