About NIJ

NIJ is the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. We provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels.

We believe —

• Research can make a difference — in individual lives and in the health of communities.
• Government-funded research must be awarded through open competition and be subjected to anonymous critical review from both scientists and practitioners.
• Our research agenda must be driven by professionals in the real world — those who deal with crime and justice problems every day.
• Partnerships with other government agencies and professional associations are critical to determining what works.

NIJ's Principal Authorities

Our principal authorities are derived from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended (see 42 USC § 3721 - 3723) and Title II of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

The NIJ Director

The NIJ Director is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The NIJ Director establishes the Institute's objectives, guided by the priorities of the Office of Justice Programs, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the needs of the field. The Institute actively solicits the views of criminal justice and other professionals and researchers to inform its search for the knowledge and tools to guide policy and practice.