Articles Published by NIJ

Introduction to the National Best Practices for Improving DNA Laboratory Process Efficiency

New systems allow high-definition scans of bullets and cartridge cases to be shared and compared virtually.

Two NIJ-funded projects introduce new methods and tools for collecting and processing digital evidence in cases involving child sexual abuse materials and large-scale computer networks.

The emergency communications ecosystem can be supported by planning in advance, developing relationships, and implementing new technology where appropriate.

A new age of algorithms taking the wheel en masse is still some years away, but law enforcement must prepare now, an NIJ-sponsored group concludes.

A data-informed approach to managing jails can yield benefits in key functional areas.

Advanced Technology to Prevent Crime and Support Reentry

Courts face a technological balancing act: How best to use devices that allow individuals to appear in court remotely while preserving the right to a fair trial. A panel of court professionals examined the issue and recommended relevant research needs.

A new line of research envisions mobile devices tapping into artificial intelligence to make reentry more efficient and more likely to succeed for those reentering supervisors, their supervisors, and communities.

The North Carolina First Responder Emerging Technologies Program collaborates with the State’s first responder agencies to navigate the rapidly-changing technology landscape by helping to identify the problems to be addressed and leveraging relationships.

The technique used to pinpoint mineral deposits, hyperspectral imaging, could be used to find humans, both dead and alive. An NIJ-funded researcher realized that the technology could use drones with sensors to cover large areas and find human bodies.

Understaffing, illicit drugs, contraband cellphones, and gangs were among top-of-mind issues for experts brought together to identify pervasive security problems facing corrections institutions — and new ways to address them.

The National Institute of Justice has helped drive development of face algorithms since the 1990s, and NIJ expects to remain engaged as the technology evolves and the operating requirements mature.

Recently completed research supported by NIJ, closely comparing different types of facial analysis algorithms — including a long-time law enforcement workhorse — reveals that high-powered, deep neural networks can deliver improved performance.