Justice Today

When cases involving high-profile individuals, like Britney Spears, make national headlines, issues surrounding guardianship and conservatorship take center stage. But after those specific cases resolve and national interest fades, the systemic issues remain. We have very little data on how the guardianship system is actually working, and the scope and prevalence of guardianship abuse remains unclear. We don't know how many individuals suffer abuse under guardianship. We don't know to what extent guardianship, when properly executed, improves the lives of those it's intended to serve. These questions only scratch the surface, and in this episode of Justice Today, we explore what we do and don't know about guardianship abuse in the United States. Read the transcript.Host: Amelia Vorpahl, NIJ Communications SpecialistGuests: Erica Wood, former assistant director of the American Bar Association's Commission on Law and Aging and continuing advocate.Dr. Pamela Teaster, Professor and Director of the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech.Reading and resources from NIJ:Environmental Scan of Guardianship Abuse and Fraud | Report

Learn about the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which was signed into law 40 years ago on October 12, 1984. This episode features a conversation between Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Director Kristina Rose and Victim Advocacy Corps Program leader Abrianna Morales and student fellows Thanh Nguyen and Grace Chungu as they discuss the impact of VOCA and the future of victim services.Read the corresponding blog post and view the VOCA 40th Anniversary Resources.Speaker ListKristina Rose, Director, Office for Victims of CrimeAbrianna Morales, Program Manager, Victim Advocacy CorpsGrace Chungu, Student Fellow, Victim Advocacy Corps Thanh Nguyen, Student Fellow, Victim Advocacy Corps

Learn about the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which was signed into law 40 years ago on October 12, 1984. Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Director Kristina Rose and prominent victim advocates Steve Siegel, Herman Millholland, and Anne Seymour discuss the history of VOCA and highlight major accomplishments of the victim services field over the past four decades.Read the corresponding blog post and view the VOCA 40th Anniversary Resources.Speaker ListKristina Rose, Director, Office for Victims of CrimeAnne Seymour, Associate Academic Program Director, National Mass Violence CenterHerman Millholland, Independent Consultant, Millholland & AssociatesSteven R. Siegel, Denver District Attorney's Office (retired)

In this special episode of Justice Today, we're marking a significant milestone in the world of justice and public safety—the 40th Anniversary of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).Since its inception in 1984, BJA has played a vital role in improving the criminal justice system, advancing public safety, and supporting law enforcement agencies across the United States. To commemorate this remarkable occasion, we're bringing you an in-depth conversation with Karhlton F. Moore, the current Director of BJA. Karhlton's insights offer a closer look at how BJA collaborates with state and local agencies to address complex issues and drive meaningful change.Read the corresponding blog post.-----------------------------------Visit the BJA website and stay connected:Subscribe for announcementsFollow us on FacebookFollow us on XSubscribe to our YouTube channel

In this special episode of Justice Today, we're marking a major milestone in the world of justice and public safety—the 40th Anniversary of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). As one of the nation's leading agencies for advancing justice reform and supporting public safety initiatives, BJA has played a pivotal role in shaping the criminal justice landscape over the past four decades.This episode is part one of our podcast series celebrating BJA's anniversary, and in it, we sit down with several former BJA directors who reflect on the agency's evolution, the challenges it has faced, and its crucial role in responding to national crises. These past directors offer a unique perspective on how BJA has worked alongside law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers to drive innovation in the criminal justice system across the country.----------------------------------- Visit the BJA website and stay connected:Subscribe for announcementsFollow us on FacebookFollow us on XSubscribe to our YouTube channel

The prison system in the U.S. typically places a heavy emphasis on security, control, and punishment, and this foundation can create an adversarial culture within correctional facilities — incarcerated individuals versus correctional staff. But what if that culture could change? What would it look like? How would it impact not only incarcerated individuals but also correctional officers and other staff?Restoring Promise, a program operated by the Vera Institute of Justice and the MILPA Collective, redesigns life in American prison units by promoting a culture of individual dignity, healing, character, leadership, and restorative justice. Using lessons learned from prisons in other countries, Restoring Promise charts a new and hopeful course for the future of corrections in the United States, with encouraging results from a recent NIJ-funded evaluation.  NIJ host Josh Mondoro talks with Kyleigh Clark-Moorman of NIJ, Selma Djokovic of the Vera Institute of Justice, and Josh Somers of the MILPA Collective about the Restoring Promise program and its impact. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJTransforming Correctional Culture and Climate | ArticleRestoring Promise | Article Changing Prison Culture Reduces Violence | ReportRestoring Promise: A Randomized Control Trial Examining the Impact of an Innovative Young Adult Housing on Reducing Violence | ReportOther resourcesRestoring Promise | WebsiteVera Institute of Justice | WebsiteMILPA Collective | Website 

The nations prisons and jails are struggling to recruit and retain staff. These staffing challenges impact re-entry efforts and overall public safety.In this episode of Justice Today, hear from former Bureau of Justice Assistance fellow Dr. Danielle Rudes on how leaders can make correctional institutions better for staff and residents.Also read the corresponding blog post.

Not every crime scene will have definitive evidence, such as DNA, to link an individual to a crime. In those cases, law enforcement relies on other evidence to build the burden of proof. NIJ graduate research fellow Dr. Shelby Khandasammy developed a tool to analyze organic gunshot residue and distinguish between different firearms calibers and manufacturers. She joins Marie Garcia, office director for the Office of Criminal Justice Systems at NIJ, to talk about her work and experience as a research fellow. Read the transcript.Reading and resources from NIJ:Vibrational Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Organic Gunshot Residue: Detection, Identification and Characterization | Research OverviewGraduate Research Fellowship ProgramSubscribe to NIJ topics

Law enforcement agencies are teaming up with mental health clinicians to improve behavioral health responses and allow police officers to focus on crime reduction. In this episode, our host discusses how Denver police work side-by-side with mental health clinicians to treat residents experiencing mental health emergencies and connect them with treatment.

Marijuana legalization poses many challenges — especially those related to drug chemistry and toxicology — for researchers, law enforcement, and policy makers. In the latest episode of Justice Today, NIJ Communications Assistant Josh Mondoro hosts a conversation with NIJ Scientist Frances Scott about marijuana toxicology, including comparing its effects to alcohol, measuring impairment, and maintaining public safety as more and more states legalize recreational marijuana. Read the transcript.Listen to Part One.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement and Crime | Final ReportExploring the Neighborhood-Level Impact of Retail Marijuana Outlets on Crime in Washington State | ArticleDifferences in Cannabis Impairment and its Measurement Due to Route of Administration | ArticleChemical Foundations of a Cannabis Breathalyzer | Funding AwardMarijuana Intoxication: Roadside Tool for Law Enforcement to Measure Impaired Peripheral Vision | Funding AwardThe problems with Cannabinoid Analogs (Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and CBD) and their metabolites detectability in urine drug testing for potential cannabinoid abuse | Funding Award

Marijuana poses many challenges for researchers, law enforcement, and policy makers, challenges that fall into two fields: drug chemistry and toxicology. NIJ scientist Dr. Frances Scott joins this episode to explain the complications in drug chemistry and how difficulties defining marijuana lead to backlogs in crime labs around the country. NIJ Communications Assistant Josh Mondoro hosts. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Study Reveals Inaccurate Labeling of Marijuana as Hemp | ArticleEffects of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement and Crime | Final ReportOther resources:NIST Tools for Cannabis Laboratory Quality Assurance | Program WebsiteNIST Tools for Confidently Distinguishing Between Hemp and Marijuana | Webinar 

NIJ Social Science Analyst Eric Martin discusses why the number of serial killers is declining and the factors that deter people from this type of violent offense. He also shares insight into whether society is experiencing an evolution away from serial killing and how NIJ continues to support research in this area.Mark Greene, the Division Director of the Technology and Standards Division at NIJ, and Lucas Zarwell, the Office Director of NIJ's Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, co-host this conversation about serial killers. Read the transcript.Listen to Part One.Reading and Resources from NIJSerial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases | ArticleUsing Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes | ArticleNamUs databaseOther ResourcesSerial Killer Connects Through Cold Cases | Academy of Forensic Nursing podcastCombined DNA Index System (CODIS)Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA | BJA program

The emerging drug crisis in the U.S. touches both criminal justice and public health, and experts from both fields came together at NIJ's 2023 National Research Conference to discuss strategies and tools to fight this problem. Dr. Frances Scott, NIJ scientist and program manager, continues the conference discussion with two fellow panelists: Ciena Bayard, the Method Development and Validation Program Manager for D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and Haley Greene, the Deputy Epidemiologist for the Central Region for the Virginia Department of Health. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJIdentifying New Illicit Drugs and Sounding the Alarm in Real Time | NIJ JournalMeeting the Evolving Challenges of Fentanyl and Other Emerging Drugs of Abuse: Innovative Strategies for Improving Analysis | ArticleOther ResourcesNPS DiscoveryOpioid Homepage, VA Department of HealthOpioid Dashboard, VA Department of HealthOpioid-related Fatal Overdoses, District of ColumbiaLong. Live. DC. Campaign

During this episode, Ernie Cato, a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, and Eddie Bocanegra, a former gang member who founded an organization that works with young men at high risk of committing crimes, discuss their pioneering work in the field of Community Violence Intervention, an innovative approach to reducing crime and violence.

Learn how the need for secure housing for victims of crime and their companion animals led to the creation of the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program.Office for Victims of Crime Director Kristina Rose and Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute, speak about how this program is ensuring that victims and their pets can access shelter services. 

Every day, Joe Platania and his office make complex judgment calls that help decide whether people will spend years or even decades behind bars. In this episode, Platania explains how this process of “prosecutorial discretion” works.

In April 2018, the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo was arrested. NIJ support helped lead to his arrest, and in the aftermath of the arrest, NIJ Social Science Analyst Eric Martin was among those tasked with finding other cases NIJ helped law enforcement solve. Eric joins the show to talk about some of those cases, and answer some broader questions about serial killers: What is a serial killer? Are they on the rise? How do we know how many serial killers are currently active?Mark Greene, the Director of the Office of Technology and Standards at NIJ, and Lucas Zarwell, the Director of NIJ's Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, co-host this conversation about serial killers. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJSerial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases | ArticleUsing Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes | ArticleNamUs databaseOther ResourcesSerial Killer Connects Through Cold Cases | Academy of Forensic Nursing podcastCombined DNA Index System (CODIS)Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA | BJA program

The road to recovery from substance use has many twists and turns, and often stops and restarts. In Navajo County, Arizona, county prosecutor Bradley Carlyon is working to help residents on the road to recovery from the moment they enter the county jail.

Incarcerated individuals deserve opportunities for healing and growth, but they often lack the necessary resources for such opportunities. Additionally, organizational cultures that don't support these outcomes often stand in the way. Researchers and practitioners gathered at NIJ's 2023 National Research Conference to share ideas and projects that will increase opportunities for incarcerated populations around the country. This show continues their conversation. Angel Sanchez, a visiting fellow with the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the Department of Justice, hosts this discussion with three guests: Dr. Stephen J. Tripodi, an associate professor at Florida State University's College of Social Work and a faculty director at the Institute for Justice Research and Development; Dr. Dan O'Connell, a criminologist at the Center for Drug and Health Studies at the University of Delaware; and Marina Duane, a research fellow at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.Reading and Resources from NIJFive Things About Reentry | ArticleEmerging Relevance of Neuroscience in Corrections | ArticleA New View of Jails: Exploring Complexity in Jails-Based Research | NIJ JournalOther ResourcesJail-based Medication-assisted Treatment Promising Practices, Guidelines, and Resources for the Field

A large body of research on crime and justice is available, yet it can take years for findings to influence practice in the field. During a recent panel at NIJ's 2023 National Research Conference, researchers and practitioners shared ideas and discussed practical steps and promising new approaches to inspire change. Three guests join the show to continue their conversation: Dr. Tamara Herold, a senior advisor to the NIJ director, Dr. Nancy La Vigne, hosts Dr. Shon Barnes, the police chief of the Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department, and Dr. Kim DuMont, an expert in evidence-based policymaking and senior vice president of program at the William T. Grant Foundation. Listen to the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJNIJ National Research Conference 2023NIJ's Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars ProgramsOther ResourcesCenter for Evidence-Based Crime Policy at George Mason University

The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. This is the second half of the conversation with Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, host Jim Dawson. Read the transcript.Listen to part one.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Meeting the Forensic Challenges of Subadult SkeletonsInvestigation of subadult dental age-at-death estimation using transition analysis and machine learning methodsA Radiographic Database for Estimating Biological Parameters in Modern SubadultsOther Resources:Subadult Virtual Anthropology Database from the University of Nevada, Reno

The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, and Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, share more about this research with NIJ writer and host Jim Dawson.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Meeting the Forensic Challenges of Subadult SkeletonsInvestigation of subadult dental age-at-death estimation using transition analysis and machine learning methodsA Radiographic Database for Estimating Biological Parameters in Modern SubadultsOther Resources:Subadult Virtual Anthropology Database from the University of Nevada, Reno

Research shows that women officers use less force and are perceived by communities as more honest and compassionate. Yet currently, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the United States. In this episode of Justice Today, Maureen McGough, chief of strategic initiatives for the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law, discusses how the 30X30 Initiative, which is sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is improving public safety by helping local law enforcement agencies recruit and retain more women.

Three LEADS Scholars serving in different law enforcement agencies and positions discuss their experiences with identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce gun violence. NIJ Senior Advisor Dr. Tamara Herold hosts this conversation with guests Police Chief Cecilia Ashe (Milford Delaware Police Department), Chief of Staff Lieutenant Matthew Barter (Manchester, NH Police Department), and Analytical Services Manager Mr. Jason Schiess (Durham, NC Police Department). LEADS, which stands for Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science, is designed to increase the research capabilities of law enforcement professionals and agencies. Since 2014, yearly cohorts of selected policing professionals are provided access to programming that connects current and emerging police leaders with evidence-based research to advance justice. Learn about more about these LEADS scholars, their challenges and triumphs, and how they embraced science to tackle gun crime in their jurisdictions. Read the transcript.Listen to part one of this episode.  Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice  NIJ' Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Programs  Meet the LEADS Scholarship Recipients  CrimeSolutions: Rated programs and practices related to gun violence  Other Reading and Resources  Operation Bullseye  Project Connect  National Network for Safe Communities  

Three LEADS Scholars serving in different law enforcement agencies and positions discuss their experiences with identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce gun violence. NIJ Senior Advisor Dr. Tamara Herold hosts this conversation with guests Police Chief Cecilia Ashe (Milford Delaware Police Department), Chief of Staff Lieutenant Matthew Barter (Manchester, NH Police Department), and Analytical Services Manager Mr. Jason Schiess (Durham, NC Police Department). LEADS, which stands for Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science, is designed to increase the research capabilities of law enforcement professionals and agencies. Since 2014, yearly cohorts of selected policing professionals are provided access to programming that connects current and emerging police leaders with evidence-based research to advance justice. Learn about more about these LEADS scholars, their challenges and triumphs, and how they embraced science to tackle gun crime in their jurisdictions.  Read the transcript.Listen to part 2 of this episode.Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice NIJ' Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Programs  Meet the LEADS Scholarship Recipients CrimeSolutions: Rated programs and practices related to gun violence Other Reading and Resources Operation Bullseye Project Connect National Network for Safe Communities 

Vaping has grown in popularity as an alternative to cigarettes, but like its predecessor, vaping brings many health complications to consumers. Thanks to the persistence of researchers like Dr. Michelle Peace, these once unknown dangers have been brought to light. Dr. Peace, a tenured Associate Professor and founding member of VCU's Department of Forensic Science, joins host and NIJ Scientist Dr. Frances Scott to discuss the history and science of vaping and what it does to our bodies. Read the transcript. Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice The Evolution and Impact of Electronic Cigarettes | Article Characterization and Abuse of Electronic Cigarettes: The Efficacy of "Personal Vaporizers" as an Illicit Drug Delivery System | Report Chasing the Electronic Cigarette Dragon - Characterizing the Evolution and Impact of Design and Content | Report Through the Looking Glass: Abuse of the Evolving Electronic Cigarette and the Impact of Vaping Ethanol in the Evaluation of Impairment | Report Characterization and Abuse of Electronic Cigarettes: The Efficacy of "Personal Vaporizers" as an Illicit Drug Delivery System | Report Through the Looking Glass Part II: Abuse of the Evolving Electronic Cigarette and the Impact of Vaping Ethanol in the Evaluation of Impairment | Grant Other Reading and Resources Cannabinoid-based vaping products and supplement formulations reported by consumers to precipitate adverse effects | Report Evaluation of Nicotine and the Components of e-Liquids Generated from e-Cigarette Aerosols | Article A determination of the aerosolization efficiency of drugs of abuse in a eutectic mixture with nicotine in electronic cigarettes | Article Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids | Article Concentration of Nicotine and Glycols in 27 Electronic Cigarette Formulations | Article 

The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) has played an essential role in obtaining justice for victims of sexual assault nationwide. During this episode of the Justice Today podcast, hear how SAKI funding helped the state of Georgia process a backlog of sexual assault kits, which led to the identification and conviction of a serial rapist who had lived in plain sight for over a decade, preying on vulnerable women.

During this episode of the Justice Today podcast, Mayor Jermaine Wilson describes his personal journey from maximum security prison to the highest elected office in his hometown, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Formerly incarcerated people face a web of laws that Marlon Chamberlain describes as "permanent punishments." During this episode, he discusses his campaign to eliminate them.

The scientific basis of several aspects of forensic evidence was first called into question by the 2009 National Research Council report. That report had an immediate impact on law enforcement, crime labs, courtrooms, and the broader scientific community. David Stoney, Chief Scientist and head of Stoney Forensics in Chantilly, VA, and Greg Dutton, program manager and physical scientist with NIJ's Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, join host Jim Dawson to discuss the concerted effort in many fields of forensics — ballistics, trace evidence, fingerprints, and more — to improve the science underlying forensic evidence in the wake of the 2009 report. Read the transcript.Listen to Part One of the conversation. Research and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009 NRC report)The Slow but Steady March Towards a More Reliable Forensic ScienceOther Resources:The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC)

During this episode, three Black law enforcement leaders discuss why they walked 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama—retracing the route of a famous 1965 civil rights march—and how their journey changed their professional and personal lives.

The scientific basis of several aspects of forensic evidence was first called into question by the 2009 National Research Council report. That report had an immediate impact on law enforcement, crime labs, courtrooms, and the broader scientific community. David Stoney, Chief Scientist and head of Stoney Forensic in Chantilly, VA, and Greg Dutton, program manager and physical scientist with NIJ's Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, join host Jim Dawson to discuss the concerted effort in many fields of forensics — ballistics, trace evidence, fingerprints, and more — to improve the science underlying forensic evidence in the wake of the 2009 report. Read the transcript.Listen to Part Two of the conversation. Research and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009 NRC report)The Slow but Steady March Towards a More Reliable Forensic ScienceOther Resources:The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC)

NIJ Director Dr. Nancy La Vigne joins the show to interview Dr. Marie Garcia, Director of NIJ's Criminal Justice Systems Division and a former NIJ graduate research fellow. They discuss the application process, Marie's experience as a fellow while at Temple University, and advice for future applicants. Read the transcript. Reading and Resources from NIJ:NIJ FY23 Graduate Research Fellowship | SolicitationGraduate Research Fellowship Program | FAQ 

Detective Kari Johnson of the Denver, Colorado Police Department and Dr. Angela Williamson, the Forensics Unit Supervisor at the Bureau of Justice Assistance, describe how decades of determined police work and cutting-edge forensic science identified Joe Michael Ervin as the person who assaulted and murdered four women between 1978 and 1981. Read the transcript.

NIJ Social Science Analyst Yunsoo Park shares her knowledge about elder abuse, a widespread issue in the U.S. and around the world, particularly polyvictimization — the experience of a range of different types of abuse and maltreatment. As much as 11% of community-residing older adults experienced some form of abuse or mistreatment in the past year. Yunsoo discusses risk factors, difficulties in defining and studying elder abuse polyvictimization, and strategies for intervention and prevention. Stacy Lee Reynolds, a Communications Assistant with NIJ, hosts. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Multidisciplinary Team Works to Reduce Preventable Deaths of Older AdultsPrevalence of Elder Polyvictimization in the United States: Data From the National Elder Mistreatment StudyExploring Elder Financial Exploitation Victimization: Identifying Unique Risk Profiles and Factors to Enhance Detection, Prevention and InterventionDefining Late-Life Poly-victimization and Identifying Associated Mental and Physical Health Symptoms and Mortality

Human trafficking is an issue without a simple solution, but research on this problem is helping victims and developing tools and information to help better understand, prevent, and respond to trafficking. NIJ Scientist Mary Carlton joins host Josh Mondoro, Communications Assistant at NIJ, for a discussion about this research. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Federally Backed Human Trafficking Task Force Model Yields Progress, and Opportunities for Continued Growth Identification of Effective Strategies to Disrupt Recruitment of Victims in Human Trafficking: Qualitative Data, Systems Modeling, Survivors and Law EnforcementFor Human Trafficking Survivors, Justice Is More About Healing and Preventing Future Trafficking

Senior Science Writer Maya Pilkington is joined by “the Paintball Lady” – Dr. Katherine Scafide. Dr. Scafide shares how her research on detecting bruises and skills as a forensic nurse help pediatric and adult assault and domestic violence victims by providing clear documentation. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:Improving Bruise Detection with Alternate LightImproving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner PartnershipAnalysis of Alternative Light in the Detection and Visibility of Cutaneous BruisesA National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations

Social media has become a potent tool for spreading extremist beliefs and promoting violent extremism. NIJ Social Science analyst Aisha Javed Qureshi joins writer-editor Paul Haskins for a conversation about how scientific research is helping law enforcement and other agencies understand and address this growing concern. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Domestic Extremists and Social Media: Study Finds Similarities, Differences in Web Habits of Those Engaged in Hate Crimes Vs. Violent ExtremismRadicalization on the Internet: Virtual Extremism in the US from 2012-2017An Assessment of Extremist Groups Use of Web Forums, Social Media, and Technology to Enculturate and Radicalize Individuals to ViolenceSocial Learning and Social Control in the Off and Online Pathways to Hate and Extremist Violence

Reflecting back on Recovery Month, the Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA's) Betsi Griffith discusses BJA's work in this area and some of the lessons learned from it.

In January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting. The transition to NIBRS offers significant improvements to data on crimes known to law enforcement, providing detailed information on the characteristics of crime incidents, victims, and persons arrested.

NIJ communications assistant Josh Mondoro explores novel psychoactive substances with NIJ scientist Frances Scott. She explains what NPSs are, current research in the field, and the practical impact of this research for law enforcement and policymakers. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from NIJ:NPS Discovery and the Hunt for New Drugs of AbuseNIJ awards for novel psychoactive substancesNIJ websiteOther Resources:NPS DiscoveryNIST NPS hub

During this episode, hear from David Gibbs as he explains how he escaped an addiction to alcohol and drugs that began when he was eight years old.

During this episode, Doreen Schenkenberger describes how she recovered from alcoholism that began at age 13 and now leads a statewide organization that assists others on that same path.

To commemorate the annual observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on September 25, Office for Victims of Crime Director Kristina Rose speaks to Roberta Roper about the murder of her beloved daughter, Stephanie,  in this Justice Today podcast episode. Recalling the tragic event and its aftermath, Roberta shares the challenges she and her family faced while trying to navigate the justice system. In response to her experience, and in memory of her daughter's life, Roberta founded the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, now known as the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center.Hear Roberta's inspiring story and how the crime victims' field has changed in the past four decades and learn about the ongoing work that needs to be done to help all victims of crime find their justice.

NIJ Director Dr. Nancy La Vigne shares how her extensive experience in criminal justice research shapes her vision for NIJ under her tenure. Beth Pearsall, Managing Editor of the NIJ Journal, hosts the conversation. Read the transcript.Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:About the NIJ DirectorNIJ website

Today, across the U.S., there are 500 specialized courts designed to address the needs of military veterans. Judge Robert Russell explains how he founded the first one. Read the transcript.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Gun violence may be the most discussed topic surrounding school safety, but it is by no means the only one. Bullying, school climate, and mental health affect students across the country, and are some of the many other issues that NIJ researches. Mary Poulin Carlton, an NIJ social science analyst, joins host Paul Haskins to discuss these and other important school safety issues. Read the transcript.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.Reading and Resources from NIJ:Student Threat Assessment: Virginia Study Finds Progress, Areas to Improve Anti-Bullying Intervention for Teachers Shows Positive, Short-Term Outcomes What Do the Data Reveal About Violence in Schools?NIJ-supported research on school safetyNIJ website

NIJ scientist Tracey Johnson joins science writer Sarah Michaud in this episode. They discuss Rapid DNA technology, and Tracey explains the complexities of this technology — its pitfalls and its possibilities. Read the transcript.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.Reading and Resources from NIJ:NIJ-sponsored forensic rapid DNA researchUsing Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes NIJ websiteOther Resources:Rapid DNA – General InformationNational Rapid DNA Booking Operational Procedures ManualNon-CODIS Rapid DNA Considerations and Best Practices for Law Enforcement UseResults of the 2018 Rapid DNA Maturity AssessmentLetter to the editor of FSI Genetics

Robin Engel, a nationally respected criminologist and professor at the University of Cincinnati, discusses her research and experience leading police reform efforts across the United States.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Stacy Lee Reynolds and Christine (Tina) Crossland continue their discussion of tribal crime, justice, and safety, including how Native American persons experience crime victimization at higher rates than non-Native people and the jurisdictional complexities in responding to tribal crime, justice, and safety. Read the transcript. Listen to the first half of Stacy and Tina's discussion.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.Find more information on the research and programs referenced in this episode. 

During this episode, Karhlton Moore, who took over as director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in February, explains what attracted him to BJA and where he sees the agency going in the future. Read the transcript.This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.