Technology and Tools

Law enforcement and corrections officers rely on various technologies for effective law enforcement and their own safety. NIJ helps ensure that officers have the equipment they need by developing standards and testing equipment against the standards. For example, NIJ develops standards for body armor that police officers wear.

NIJ also helps to bring affordable new equipment to market by funding research and development of innovative technologies.

The Institute runs a national technology research and development program. Agency priorities are based on what police officers say is most needed in the field. Teams of professionals (called Technology Working Groups) play a major role in NIJ's research and development.

NIJ also funds several major science initiatives and national technology centers that help law enforcement, corrections and other public safety or public service agencies.