Chapter 8

Enhancing Technology's Use
in Addressing Crime

Overview

Use of technology and information integration and sharing in addressing crime are among the most urgent issues facing the criminal justice field today. As criminals become more sophisticated in their use of advanced technology to perpetrate crime, criminal justice professionals must have equally sophisticated tools to prevent, investigate, and prosecute those crimes, to better track and manage offenders, and to protect the public.

Today, criminal justice practitioners use advanced technology for everything from tracing stolen vehicles, to crime scene DNA identification, to investigating pornography, to solving sophisticated financial crimes. Corrections technology is being developed and tested in such areas as using Global Positioning Systems and more advanced electronic monitoring using telephone lines to manage offenders. There is also computer technology under development that would show the precise location of correctional staff in an institution and efforts being tested to use computer "telemedicine" to provide medical and mental health services for inmates.

Attention is also focused on integrating technology so that these systems can effectively communicate and share information--both among the various criminal justice system components within a jurisdiction and among different jurisdictions. For the most part, the computer systems used by state and local governments today cannot communicate or share data. Many were developed as the result of federal or state grant funding, at different times, with no strategy for integration with other systems. As a result, there is a proliferation of different systems, with different goals, and different means of communicating.

In 1997, the OJP Assistant Attorney General created an OJP Information Technology Executive Council to coordinate OJP's efforts in the area of information technology and to determine how the federal government could most effectively assist state and local communities meet their information technology needs. During the past two years, the Executive Council staff have met with state and local policy makers, criminal justice practitioners, and technology experts across the country to explore what progress has already been made at the state and local levels in designing integrated justice system projects, what state and local needs are, and how OJP and state and local jurisdictions could work together to ensure that information technology resources are being applied effectively, efficiently, and equitably.

From these initial efforts and the many criminal technology project launched to date, two things have become clear. First, it is critical to ensure that all the major stakeholders, especially the direct users of the technology, be involved in planning, developing, and implementing information and other technology efforts. Second, it is equally important to develop appropriate means of educating the criminal justice community in general on the various uses of technology as applied to criminal justice, and the steps needed to effectively develop and implement new technology.

Another challenge is ensuring that criminal justice professionals have access to advanced technology to help them perform more effectively. Several years ago, OJP's National Institute of Justice entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Defense (DOD) agreeing to share and jointly develop technology systems that can be used for both defense and criminal justice purposes. This MOU has led to the development, for example, of new less-than-lethal weapons to subdue offenders without having to use a firearm and to a variety of technologies for detecting concealed weapons and other contraband. In other projects with DOD agencies, encouraged by the establishment of the MOU, NIJ has worked to transfer computer enhanced training developed for the military to a variety of law enforcement applications. These efforts are supported by NIJ's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) system, which is composed of the national center, four regional centers, and special offices. NLECTC develops, tests, and disseminates information about criminal justice technology. For a full description of NLECTC, see Chapter 13.

As technology continues to change rapidly, criminal justice capabilities must continue to advance also. OJP is supporting a wide range of funding and other assistance to improve criminal justice technology and to enhance technology's use in addressing crime in this nation.

Continuation Programs

The following projects will be conducted by current or already designated grantees. No new applications will be solicited in FY 1999.

National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP)
Grantees: State agencies designated by the Governor
FY99 Funding: $45 million
OJP Sponsor: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

Project Description: The goal of the NCHIP program is to ensure that accurate records are available for use in law enforcement, including sex offender registry requirements, and to permit states to identify ineligible firearm purchasers, persons ineligible to hold employment in positions involving children, the elderly, or the disabled, and persons subject to protective orders or charged or convicted of stalking or domestic violence. The FY 1999 program will focus on ensuring that states can fully participate in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which was established under the Brady Act to provide background checks for noncriminal justice purposes, such as child and elderly care. The 1999 program will also encourage and support state efforts to improve communications and data accuracy, and to develop integrated criminal justice systems to meet evolving criminal justice and noncriminal justice needs. NCHIP also includes technical assistance and training (see Chapter 13), the Firearms Inquiry Statistics (FIST) (see below), and the National Sex Offender Registry Assistance Program (NSOR-AP).

Comparative Analysis of Statewide Criminal Justice Information Sharing Systems
Grantee: International Association of Chiefs of Police
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Project Description: This project is designed to address the lack of integration of all available case information into a centralized state criminal justice management information system. The project will conduct a comparative analysis of five innovative statewide criminal justice management information systems and identify the most promising strategies. The goal of the project is to explore replicating these strategies at one or more selected demonstration sites. This program is a coordinated element of the OJP-wide Integrated Information Systems Initiative.

DNA Laboratory Improvement
Grantees: States and local government agencies
FY99 Funding: $15 million
OJP Sponsor: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

Project Description: Authorized by the DNA Identification Act of 1994, the Forensic DNA Laboratory Improvement Program was created to increase the capabilities and capacity of state and local forensic laboratories in the United States. Its purpose is to help public crime labs to conduct state-of-the-art DNA testing to support the investigation and adjudication of violent crime. This program addresses the critical need in public crime laboratories for faster, more cost-effective, and reliable DNA testing by funding procurement of updated equipment, supplies, laboratory modifications, and training for laboratory analysts. Sixty-five grants awarded under the DNA Laboratory Program are continuing in FY 1999, the fourth year of the program. Applications for new or continuation funding were submitted under the Phase 4 solicitation in December 1998.

STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program
Grantees: 56 states and territories
FY99 Funding: $138.4 million
OJP Sponsor: Violence Against Women Office (VAWO)

Project Description: The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program promotes a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to improving the criminal justice system's response to violence against women. One of the seven project purpose areas for this program is the development or expansion of advanced technology to combat stalking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. This includes creating, installing, or expanding data collection and communication systems, including computerized systems that link police, prosecution, and the courts or that are designed to identify and track arrests, protection orders, violations of protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions for violent crimes against women. The full scope of the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program is described in Chapter 4.

New Programs

Funding for the following programs will be available as noted. For information about individual program solicitations or application kits, check OJP's Website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov or call the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at 1-800/851-3420.

Information Integration Initiative Survey and Assistance Program
Grantees: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: Using an informal consortium of technical assistance grantees advised by professional technology and policymaking organizations, BJA will support the DOJ Information Integration Initiative through a number of related tasks. First, a study will be undertaken to identify how information moves within the criminal justice system. Concurrently, another survey of states (and some localities) will look for existing and pending legislation on information integration, particularly that aimed at governance, planning, and interoperability issues. A major component of this examination will be identifying and documenting how states use governance boards to coordinate activities focused on implementing integrated information systems. Model laws and governance board structures will be documented as blueprints for action for other jurisdictions. Finally, this information will feed into a multifaceted set of educational and marketing tools, which will help advocates of information integration promote this concept with state executives and legislators, business leaders, law enforcement agency personnel, and the public. This information will eventually become part of the proposed National Information Resource Center, where it can be updated as the initiative progresses.

Managing Investigative Criminal Justice Technologies
Grantee: Institute for Forensics
FY99 Funding: $498,215
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: This project will provide technical assistance and investigative template services to create data linkage and criminal justice integration initiatives. The primary objectives will be to provide information management techniques and resources to investigators; create an investigative information template; create an information management matrix and interface; and assess and evaluate prototype investigative information management systems. For more information, contact Robert D. Keppel, Director, Institute for Forensics, at 425/271-4081.

Strategic Information Technology Center
Grantee: National Center for Rural Law Enforcement, University of Arkansas
FY99 Funding: $4 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The National Center for Rural Law Enforcement (NCRLE) will provide assistance to state and local jurisdictions in meeting their information technology needs. Upon developing a national strategic information technology plan, an Internet-based resource center and full spectrum help desk will be established where jurisdictions can receive guidance, support, and instruction on the whole range of information technology issues. In addition, the project will provide for the operation and expansion of an electronic information clearinghouse for rural law enforcement officers that will be accessible through dial-in toll-free service and via the Internet.

A Business Case for Integration
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: Office of the Assistant Attorney General (OAAG) and BJA

Project Description: This project will develop an education and marketing tool for executives, legislators, the judiciary, and the pubic that explains the necessity and benefits of integrated justice. The business case will explain how integration can improve fairness, efficiency, and economy in the justice system and increase public safety.

Governance Initiative
Grantee: National Criminal Justice Association and SEARCH Group
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The grantees will survey states to ascertain the type, quality, and capability of the governance processes and structures in use or contemplated nationwide; analyze the findings; evaluate the quality and effectiveness of each state's approach; and produce a report describing the study findings. The resulting document will help states develop or improve governance structures for integrating criminal justice data.

Procurement Improvement Initiative
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The goal of this project is to improve the process for procuring information technology. The project will compile information about successful strategies used in current Requests For Proposals for information technology projects and support procurement reform by disseminating information about effective procurement practices and processes to governors, state legislators, and other decision-makers.

State and Local Government Legislation Initiative
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: This project will examine existing legislation that supports integration at the state and local level and help jurisdictions draft similar provisions or amend outdated legislation.

Showcasing Modern Law Enforcement Records Management Systems
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJS

Project Description: BJS and the FBI will continue efforts as part of a comprehensive project to assess the status of incident-based reporting among law enforcement agencies and address the impediments to implementing the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). In FY 1999, the FBI will identify jurisdictions that are promising candidates for demonstrating that NIBRS can be implemented in large cities. Up to 10 sites will be selected for technical assistance under this effort, and three will receive funding.

Consolidated Advanced Technologies for the Law Enforcement Program at the University of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Department of Public Safety (earmark)
Grantee: New Hampshire Department of Public Safety
FY99 Funding: $3.5 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: In partnership with the University of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Department of Safety will develop a consolidated advanced technologies program that will test and demonstrate new communications and information exchange technologies for use with systems currently deployed by state and local law enforcement agencies. Field-based demonstration of new off-the-shelf and application-specific technologies in a multijurisdictional environment will be combined with laboratory-based replication of the operations environment, and with analysis of human factors, to identify and solve problems that hinder operations. The program will build on the university's performance as the test site used by more than 100 computer companies to ensure interoperability of their products in wired and wireless networks operating in an open architecture environment. Training and improved educational curricula for law enforcement professionals also will be elements of this program.

Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity-Building Programs

The following describes both current and new initiatives.

Planning for Integrated Justice Information Systems
Grantee: SEARCH Group, Inc
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: To address the growing demand for integrated justice information systems assistance, OJP created the Information Technology Executive Council. SEARCH will assist the Executive Council in developing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for funding integrated justice information systems planning and development efforts nationwide.

National Information Resource Center
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: OAAG and BJA

Project Description: Under this project, a national resource center where criminal justice components at all levels of government can obtain timely and useful information on integration processes, initiatives, and new developments will be developed. The center will provide Web-based resources and research, evaluate, collect, and disseminate information technology-related materials.

National Survey of DNA Laboratories
Grantee: Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Bureau of the Census
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJS

Project Description: With funding from NIJ, BJS is conducting the first national survey of all public and private DNA laboratories. Fielded in November 1998, the survey is collecting management and administrative statistics on staff size and characteristics, staff training, budgets, DNA testing procedures, processing policies, and archival capacity. The survey will also obtain information on the degree of laboratory compliance with national standards and participation in the national database of DNA samples. BJS continues to work closely with state and local crime laboratory directors and the FBI's Forensic Science Systems Unit in this effort, which will provide a mechanism for crime laboratory directors to compare procedures and capacities among the different laboratories, as well as a tool to measure compatibility between the national (CODIS) DNA database and state DNA databases.

National Center for Forensic Sciences
Grantee: University of Central Florida
FY99 Funding: $1 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This project supports a unique laboratory facility that provides technical assistance to the forensic science and law enforcement communities in the areas of fire and explosion debris. Activities include scientific research, development of standard protocols, development of an electronic resource library and distance learning modules, and partnerships with forensic science, law enforcement, and insurance communities. For further information, contact Dr. Richard Rau at NIJ at 202/307-0648.

Southwest Border States Anti-Drug Information System (SWBSADIS)
Grantee: Criminal Information Sharing Alliance
FY99 Funding: $9 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The Southwest Border States Anti-Drug Information System is a regional law enforcement system serving the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, components of the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS), and the El Paso Intelligence Center. SWBSADIS provides the communication infrastructure and common message text format needed to transfer information among the participants' intelligence databases, as well as electronic mail and bulletin board services. In FY99, SWBSADIS will Web-enable the wide area network, improve information sharing with additional components of RISS, and enhance functionality with applications tailored to intelligence personnel.

Regional Information Sharing System (RISS)
Grantees: Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, New England State Police Information Network, Regional Organized Crime Information Center, Rocky Mountain Information Network, Western States Information Network
FY99 Funding: $20 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: RISS is composed of six regional centers that share intelligence and coordinate efforts against criminal networks that operate in many locations across jurisdictional lines. Typical targets of RISS activities are drug trafficking, violent crime and gang activity, and organized criminal activities. However, each of the centers selects its own target crimes and the range of services provided to member agencies. RISS serves more than 4,700 member law enforcement agencies in 50 states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Secret Service, U.S. Customs Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms also participate in the program.

RISS Intranet
Grantees: Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, New England State Police Information Network, Regional Organized Crime Information Center, Rocky Mountain Information Network, Western States Information Network
FY99 Funding: $5 million (from COPS)
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: A Memorandum of Understanding between BJA and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has made funds available to BJA to upgrade the communications infrastructure of the Regional Information Sharing System. The upgrade will facilitate the rapid exchange of information on criminals and criminal activity by providing law enforcement member agencies access to the RISS secure Intranet. Having such access will increase their ability to share and retrieve criminal intelligence information on a real-time basis.

Criminal Intelligence Systems Operating Policies Technical Assistance and Testing Program
Grantee: Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR)
FY99 Funding: $1 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Eligibility: BJA grantees

Project Description: This initiative will survey, identify, and catalog existing BJA-funded interjurisdictional criminal intelligence systems; provide assistance to facilitate grantee compliance with federal regulations; provide onsite technical assistance to resolve problems; coordinate specialized technical assistance at each site; and serve as a liaison for potential technical assistance recipients.

National White Collar Crime Center
Grantee: National White Collar Crime Center
FY99 Funding: $7.35 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The National White Collar Crime Center provides a national resource for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of multijurisdictional economic crimes. These crimes include investment fraud, telemarketing fraud, boiler room operations, securities fraud, commodities fraud, and advanced-fee loan schemes. The center provides a wide range of technical assistance, including a national training and research institute focusing on economic crime issues. In FY 1999, BJA funding of the Center will also support the National Cybercrime Training Partnership (NCTP), an initiative organized by DOJ's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section to create a national network of law enforcement trainers and specialists in computer crime-related investigation and prosecution. For more information, contact Dick Johnston, National White Collar Crime Center, at 1-800/221-4424.

National White Collar Crime Center Partnership With the National Fraud Information Center (earmark)
Grantee: National Fraud Information Center
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The National Fraud Information Center (NFIC), a project of the National Consumers League, has been providing valuable assistance to the public and to law enforcement agencies in the fight against telemarketing fraud since 1992. Consumers' fraud reports are transmitted daily by the NFIC to a database jointly maintained by the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General. The database is accessible to law enforcement agencies seeking specific information. NFIC and the National White Collar Crime Center will work together in the training of telemarketing fraud investigators and prosecutors in the Telemarketing Fraud Enforcement Task Force Targeting the Elderly Project. NFIC will serve as a consultant in developing training programs and materials.

SEEDTECH
Grantee: National Urban Technology Center, Inc.
FY99 Funding: $400,000
OJP Sponsor: Executive Office for Weed and Seed (EOWS)

Project Description: The Executive Office for Weed and Seed provides technical assistance to support Weed and Seed sites in the development of computer learning centers. This "SEEDTECH" initiative works to build the technological and administrative capabilities of all Weed and Seed sites by providing consulting services and support. Assistance is available via a toll-free telephone number (1-800/999-3212). SEEDTECH's Community Empowerment Curriculum includes the following courses:

• Computer Fundamentals, through which participants acquire basic computer skills and become familiar with a broad range of computer functions, including the Internet.
  
  
• Word Processing
  
  
• Children's Program, which introduces children ages 5 to 11 to computers. The children complete creative writing activities and produce papers and reports that include pictures and page design features, and use a multimedia creativity tool to create and present electronic animated stories.

Managing Law Enforcement Technologies
Grantee: University of New Orleans (UNO)
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The University of New Orleans provides technical assistance to agencies funded under BJA's Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) program to help them better manage law enforcement technologies. UNO provides management-focused training in basic technology planning and acquisition and implementation strategies; trains trainers for law enforcement, corrections, and court personnel; and facilitates the transfer of technology information among agencies supported by the LLEBG program.

Conferences and Technology Assistance
Grantees: Gordon Research Institute, Naval Air Warfare Center, and other organizations to be determined
FY99 Funding: $775,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ will support a number of technology-based conferences in FY 1999, including the Gordon Conference, the Corrections Conference, Technology Tools for Training Conference, the Science and the Law Conference, and the Technical Institute.

Building a Home for Crime Victims on the Internet
Grantee: Michigan Victim Alliance
FY99 Funding: $20,000
OJP Sponsor: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)

Project Description: This project produced a statewide Website for victims in Michigan and a Website Development Manual for other states wishing to replicate this service. As a result of this innovative project, hundreds of victims in Michigan and other states have obtained information about the criminal justice system, available victim services, and peer support groups; been able to access protection order forms and filing procedures; had a chance to communicate with one another, tell their stories, and post memorials on the Web; participate in a listserv for victims; and, through a partnership with the FBI, develop security and online protection procedures. Project staff also helped victim groups from around the state set up their own Websites. Continuation funding will allow staff to provide training and technical assistance to other states by adapting existing templates to the needs of specific states, support server maintenance, and further refine server security issues.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
Grantee: American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and participating states
FY99 Funding: $3.15 million
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: In cooperation with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), BJA is providing financial assistance to the states of Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia to participate in a pilot project to implement and test the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This 5-year project will establish a national electronic switching system linking state Department of Motor Vehicle computers into a network. NMVTIS will enable states to verify the validity of existing titles prior to issuing new titles; obtain information on whether a vehicle has been stolen; prevent odometer tampering; obtain information from the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin to help create a vehicle's first title; and automatically notify previous states of record when a new title is issued.

Research and Statistical Programs

The following describes both current and new initiatives.

Standards Initiative
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The field has recommended that OJP identify existing standards relating to criminal justice information technology and coordinate with the various criminal justice standards setting bodies to help develop a national consensus on technical and data standards for integration. This project will facilitate the development of integration standards by undertaking a survey of standards, analyzing the results for gaps and conflicts, identifying standards that should be eliminated, establishing a process to create new standards, identifying new standards as required, and tasking appropriate organizations to develop required standards.

Information Interchange Study
Grantee: SEARCH Group
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJA

Project Description: The grantee will track how information moves within the criminal justice system and where the information exchange points between criminal justice agencies exist. The field recommended such a study to develop an information exchange model for criminal justice integration. This project will study the type of information that is being exchanged among criminal justice components, determine the types of information that should be exchanged, and study the implications of standards, coordination, governance, and other factors on information exchange.

Interoperability Initiative
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: $1.8 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This project will develop and demonstrate enhanced interoperability technologies and techniques for mobile and fixed platforms. This includes continuation of the ALERT (mobile) interoperability program and development of a focused, fixed interoperability test bed, which will include the transfer of military-developed technology to link police agencies from two different states into a regional criminal justice computer system located in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Investigator-Initiated Research Grants
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: Grants of up to $300,000. The number of awards varies each year.
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This solicitation seeks research and technology proposals that explore topics relevant to state and local criminal justice policy or practice. FY 1999 topic areas include: officer protection and crime prevention, investigative and forensic sciences, less-than-lethal incapacitation, communications and information technologies, training and simulation technologies, and school security technologies. Twice a year, NIJ receives and reviews proposals submitted under this broad solicitation. Grants generally range between $25,000 and $300,000 for project periods of one to two years. For a copy of the solicitation, call NCJRS at 1-800/851-3420 or see NIJ's Website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/.

Field Trials for Less-Than-Lethal Technologies
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: $400,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ anticipates that three less-than-lethal technologies will have gone through safety evaluations and be ready for field trials in FY 1999. These field trials will determine the technologies' effectiveness in temporarily incapacitating individuals and operational considerations in likely scenarios. Technologies ready for field testing include the kinetic energy ring airfoil projectile, the electric stun projectile, and the laser dazzler.

Safe School Technologies
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: Awards from $300,000 to $500,000, depending on the number and types of proposals received. Proposals will be funded as outlined in the 1999 Appropriations Bill, which provides that $10 million of the 1 percent set-aside for research and evaluation within the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants funding should be used to fund research to enhance school safety.
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This program will identify and develop technologies to improve security in schools. The research will involve analyzing schools that use security technology to determine strengths and weaknesses of these technologies, identifying available technologies appropriate for schools and others that can be modified for use in schools, and determining areas where technology needs to be developed to improve school security.

Health Status Monitor for Prisons
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: $350,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This project will develop technology to electronically monitor the status of high-risk and suicidal inmates to pinpoint their location and ensure their safety. The federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will work cooperatively with NIJ and the Joint Program Steering Group to develop this technology, which will be tested at a BOP prison facility to be determined.

Video Surveillance Technology Program
Grantee: Competitive
FY99 Funding: $575,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ will support a project to develop and demonstrate innovative and novel technologies that increase the effectiveness of automated video processing applications, such as facial recognition, motion detection, event detection, and image understanding technologies.

Prison Contraband Study
Grantee: Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR)
FY99 Funding: $65,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ and the U.S. Navy will study the utility of contraband and drug detection equipment in prisons. The Navy plans to work with state and local corrections agencies to conduct this study.

Electronic Crime
Grantee: SPAWAR and the Tennessee Valley Authority
FY99 Funding: $300,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ will assess the needs of state and local law enforcement and the supporting role of federal law enforcement in combating online and electronic crime. This effort will examine crime committed online and in an electronic environment, including computer crime, high-technology crime, traditional and white-collar crimes, and crimes classified as cyberterrorism. This needs assessment will include an analysis of law enforcement's current state of preparedness and what needs have to be met to enable them to successfully investigate, solve, and prosecute this broad spectrum of technology crime.

DNA Research Program
Grantee: Competitive/Multiple Awards
FY99 Funding: $3.2 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This 5-year effort will harness the tremendous growth in the field of DNA technology by directing research in DNA identification testing systems towards development of tools for the criminal justice community. Through investigator-initiated solicitations, NIJ seeks projects to achieve highly discriminating, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid DNA testing approaches to identify or exonerate suspects in violent crime investigations.

Investigative and Forensic Science Technical Working Groups
Grantee: To Be Determined
FY99 Funding: $1.1 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: NIJ will fund technical working groups to develop guidelines of best practices to establish and improve standard practices for criminal justice officers in the areas of eyewitnesses, evidence collection, crime scene investigations, law enforcement training, Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 702 validation, and judicial admissibility.

Firearms Inquiry Statistics (FIST)
Grantee: REJIS
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJS

Project Description: The FIST program collects statistics relating to the impact of presale firearm checks, as required under the Brady Act, and related state legislation. Statistical data obtained by BJS under the program focus on the total number of inquiries related to firearm purchases, the number of rejections, and the basis for the rejections. Data are also collected separately concerning the procedures followed by states in connection with presale checks under both the Brady Act and related state legislation.

State Justice Statistics Program
Grantees: State Statistical Analysis Centers
FY99 Funding: To Be Determined
OJP Sponsor: BJS

Project Description: The State Justice Statistics Program provides support to state Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) that research and analyze criminal justice issues identified by BJS in conjunction with other OJP components. In FY 1999, BJS is encouraging SACs to collect and analyze data derived from sex offender registries, criminal history record information, and incident-based crime data. Other areas of research and analyses include juvenile justice issues (see Chapter 5) and drugs and crime data. Further information on the FY 1999 program and selected topics/issues will be announced in the State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers: Program Application Guidelines, Fiscal Year 1999, expected for release in early 1999. For a copy, contact the BJS Clearinghouse at 1-800/732-3277 or see the BJS Website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES)
Grantee: Interagency Agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
FY99 Funding: $1.4 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The mission of OLES is to apply science and technology to the needs of the criminal justice community, including law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and the fire service. NIJ will support the development of methods to test equipment performance and examine evidentiary materials, develop standards for equipment and operating procedures, develop standard reference materials, and perform other scientific and engineering tasks required by NIJ.

COPLINK
Grantee: Tucson, Arizona Police Department
FY99 Funding: $232,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The Tucson Police Department and the University of Arizona Artificial Intelligence Group are developing a relational search engine that makes use of artificial intelligence and multimedia technology to improve the way criminal justice information databases are accessed and searched. In FY 1999, the final phase will refine the prototype system based on results from testing and actual criminal case analysis.

Technology Initiatives
Grantees: Ultimate Enterprises, Ltd.
FY99 Funding: $245,760
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Description: Ultimate Enterprises, Ltd. (UEL) will continue to support NIJ by providing appropriate services for the Surplus Property Project. Services include supporting NIJ in its interface with the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency, and DOD Law Enforcement Support Offices. UEL will also assist in coordinating surplus property matters, as well as the 1122 Program, with interested DOJ and other federal agencies, maintain and revise the FEDQUIP manual and material for the Justice Technology Information Network (JUSTNET), assist the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers, and provide professional assistance to NIJ in exchanges with Russia regarding Explosive Ordinance Disposal.

School Security Technologies Guide
Grantee: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL)
FY99 Funding: $100,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This grant will enable SNL to complete the School Security Technologies Guide, by incorporating comments from an extensive group of school security and law enforcement reviewers. Following dissemination of the guide, its effectiveness will be evaluated, and planning will begin for a second volume to incorporate evaluation results and new technologies identified as appropriate for school security efforts.

Personal Alarm Monitors
Grantee: Telephonics
FY99 Funding: $650,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The personal alarm monitor is a system that can be used in corrections facilities to monitor the location of officers within the facility and to provide real-time communications between the officers and the facility control center. This phase of the project will test the viability of the system and its value in corrections by incorporating additional features, such as signals to indicate "man down," tamper alarms, and a low battery indicator. The project also will test prototypes in an occupied corrections facility.

Ring Airfoil Projectile
Grantee: Guilford Engineering
FY99 Funding: $250,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The Ring Airfoil Projectile is a blunt impact projectile that is nonlethal at the muzzle. It was developed by the military and is now being modified for law enforcement applications. These modifications include developing a new launch device and the capability to have pepper powder disperse on impact. A prototype launcher will be available in March 1999. FY 1999 funds will be used to develop the pepper powder dispersal system.

Vehicle Stopping Program
Grantee: To be selected from applications submitted in FY 1998
FY99 Funding: $200,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: In FY 1997 and FY 1998, NIJ funded projects to identify and evaluate electromagnetic devices suitable for testing in a laboratory setting. In FY 1998, NIJ issued a directed solicitation for proposals field testing actual electromagnetic car stopping devices. FY 1999 funds will support proposals received in late FY 1998 for limited development and field evaluation of electric or electromagnetic vehicle stopping systems.

Electronic Microchip
Grantees: Nanogen and Whitehead Institute
FY99 Funding: $1.3 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: These grantees are developing DNA microchips that use the "STR" genetic markers required by the forensic community. Using two different microchip platforms, the projects' goals include increasing the speed of DNA analysis methods, decreasing the costs, and miniaturizing the system to increase portability.

DNA Analysis by Mass Spectrometry
Grantee: GeneTrace
FY99 Funding: $500,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: The development of a mass spectrometric method of analyzing forensically important DNA markers allows DNA profiling to be reliably conducted in minutes instead of hours. This phase of the project includes refinement of robotics and inclusion of more forensic markers for rapid and high throughput DNA profiling critical to achieving an accurate convicted offender database (CODIS).

Teleforensics
Grantee: Multiple Awards
FY99 Funding: $397,000
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This project will plan and evaluate technologies and techniques that can be used at crime scenes to remotely access forensic or crime scene investigators in the laboratory. Technologies developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be evaluated for applicability to criminal justice agencies.

Program Assessment, Policy, and Coordination
Grantee: SEASKATE, the Institute for Law and Justice, and Pymatuning Group Inc.
FY99 Funding: $1.44 million
OJP Sponsor: NIJ

Project Description: This project will continue support for policy panels that address liability, technology, and community acceptance issues and assess internal practices and procedures related to these areas.

For More Information

Funds awarded under the Byrne Formula and LLEBG programs described in Chapter 1 also may be used to support technology initiatives. In addition, several violence against women grant programs award funds that may be used to enhance technology to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These programs are described in Chapters 4 and 11. Also see Chapter 13 for additional technology and information-sharing system training and technical assistance initiatives, including NIJ's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) program, which provides criminal justice professionals with information on technology, guidelines, and standards for these technologies, objective testing data, and technical assistance to implement these technologies. The program also supports JUSTNET, the Justice Information Technology Network, an Internet-based technology information-sharing system that is used by more than 40,000 corrections and law enforcement personnel each month. JUSTNET provides a gateway to information on new technologies, equipment, and other products and services available to criminal justice professionals. Information is available online at www.nlectc.org or through a toll-free hotline at 1-800/248-2742.

Additionally, two purpose areas under OJJDP's Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JAIBG) program allow funds to be used for technology to assist prosecutors in identifying and expediting violent juvenile offender prosecutions and to establish and maintain interagency information-sharing programs that enable the juvenile and criminal justice systems, schools, and social services agencies to identify, control, supervision, and treat serious juvenile offenders. See Chapter 1 for more information or access OJJDP's Website at www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org.