Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology
New technologies can offer police many useful methods for combating criminal activity, with such tools as GPS and advanced communications systems. Technologies such as body armor and less-lethal projectiles also improve the safety of both police and the public. However, in an increasingly high-tech world, more and more crimes involve technologies and police must be prepared for them.
NIJ sponsors a broad array of research and development of equipment and technology for police. Its research priorities are based on the needs of the law enforcement community. NIJ both creates new technologies and evaluates technologies on the market for effectiveness and safety. Its evaluation programs are often conducted in real-world environments in partnership with local law enforcement and other outside entities. NIJ is also central in the development of standards for new technologies, such as ballistics standards for body armor.
NIJ is committed to helping make new equipment and technology available to police throughout the country. Through outreach programs, NIJ introduces police to new tools and offers a variety of training programs on new technologies. NIJ also provides ongoing technology assistance for police using advanced communications equipment.
Learn more about:
Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Ballistic Resistance Standard, 0101.06
Stab-Resistent Body Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Stab Resistance Standard, 0115.00
Medical Management Guidelines for Impacts to Body Armor
Body Armor Research and Evaluation Results
Standards and Testing for Body Armor
NIJ Standard-0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor
NIJ Standard-0115.00, Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor
Outreach and Assistance
Computer Forensics Tool Testing Program
Crime Mapping (Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety)
Data Sources for Criminal Justice Analysis
Geography & Public Safety Bulletin
Crime Mapping Research Conference
Detection and Surveillance Technologies
Detection of Weapons, Contraband and Chemicals
Detecting Items Hidden on a Person or Inside a Body
Detecting Items Hidden or Substances Present in the Surrounding Environment
Standards Development for Detection and Surveillance Equipment