Smart Policing Initiative

This FY 2011 grant announcement seeks to build upon data-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime within their jurisdictions. This program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The Byrne Competitive Program helps local communities improve the capacity of state and local criminal justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG Program authorization also provides that “the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary—(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime” (42 U.S.C. 3756). Under JAG, there is also a 3 percent set aside for training and technical assistance programs.

Amount: $500,000

Date due: April 21, 2011

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Research on Best Practices for Mentoring as an Intervention

The Office of Justice seeks to enhance what is understood about mentoring as a prevention strategy for youth who are at risk of involvement or already involved in the juvenile justice system. While mentoring appears to be a promising intervention for youth, more evaluation work is needed to further highlight the components of a mentoring program that are most effective. In addition, research is needed to demonstrate specifically the components of mentoring programs that have a significant impact in reducing juvenile delinquency and offending. This solicitation seeks to fund research studies that will inform the design and delivery of mentoring programs. OJJDP expects that the results of this effort will encourage a more effective utilization of resources as well as enhance the implementation of evidence-based best practices for juvenile mentoring.

Amount: $500,000

Date due: March 8, 2011

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Field Initiated Research and Evaluation Program

The purpose of OJJDP’s FY 2011 Field Initiated Research and Evaluation (FIRE) Program is to support methodologically rigorous research and evaluation studies that inform policy and practice consistent with the Department of Justice’s mission. With this solicitation, OJJDP encourages applicants to propose research and evaluation projects related to delinquency prevention; the reduction and control of juvenile delinquency and serious crime committed by juveniles; efforts to prevent recidivism through positive youth development; links between child neglect, victimization, and crime; and juvenile justice system response to issues such as sex crimes committed by juveniles, females in the juvenile justice system, and disproportionate minority contact at points along the juvenile justice system.

Amount: $500,000

Date due: March 7, 2011

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Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) seeks proposals for applied research and development projects that will: (1) increase knowledge or understanding necessary to guide forensic science policy and practice, or (2) result in the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for forensic application. The intent of the Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes Program is to direct the findings of basic scientific research, research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science, and ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes.

Amount: $500,000/year

Date due: April 5, 2011

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