Articles Published by NIJ

Advanced Technology to Prevent Crime and Support Reentry

Adults trying to curb cyberbullying of teens need to understand what it is and how it works in teens’ social networks; research on the content and context of cyberaggression may help build solutions.

Nanoparticles and other subvisible particles potentially present in nearly all trace evidence are often overlooked in forensic investigations. NIJ-supported researchers have characterized several types of particles and developed detection methods.

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.

Tip lines make possible confidential reporting of threats and problems and may benefit schools beset by safety and crime threats. More studies are needed on their effectiveness, but a new tip line toolkit instructs schools on how they work.

Cold case investigations have revealed that, in many cases, those responsible also are responsible for multiple crimes. Therefore, prioritizing cold case investigations can assist in both resolving crimes and preventing future ones.

An expert workshop on a hidden hub of crime on the internet identified priority investigative needs, including demystifying the “dark web”, training investigators to identify dark web evidence and activity, and building cross-jurisdictional partnerships.

Analyzing illicit drugs such as methamphetamine is difficult because the drugs break down when heated in gas chromatographs. Investigators determined that a new method can avoid the heat issue and improve results.