The Office of Justice Programs, part of the DOJ, is one of the best places to start with any criminal justice research. These bureaus and offices are the places where you'll find statistics, programs, and state-of-the art knowledge and practices.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)BJA provides grant administration and criminal justice policy development to support local, state, and tribal law enforcement.
Programs Administered
* Anti-human trafficking task force initiative;
* Body-worn cameras;
* Bulletproof vest partnership program;
* Community-based criminal justice initiative;
* Faith-based and community initiatives;
* Justice and mental health collaboration program;
* National gang center;
* Project Safe Neighborhoods;
* Second Chance Act;
* Sexual assault kit initiatives;
* Smart policing initiative;
* Violence reduction network.
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)The bureau collects, analyzes and publishes data relating to crime in the United States. Statistics are gathered from the roughly fifty-thousand agencies that comprise the U.S. justice system.
Components of the OJJDP
* Sponsors research, program, and training initiatives;
* Develops priorities and goals;
* Sets policies to guide federal juvenile justice issues;
* Disseminates information about juvenile justice issues;
* Awards funds to states to support local programming.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)The OVC is charged by Congress with administering the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund), which supports programs and services for victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives.
Programs
* Administers state victim assistance and compensation programs;
* Assists victims in tribal communities;
* Sets aside up to $50 million for victims of terrorism;
* Provides program development, education, and outreach for victims;
* Training and technical assistance;
* Produce and disseminate information resources for key victim services and criminal justice audiences.
Implements:
* Administers the standards for the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Program set forth in Title 1 of the Adam Walsh Act;
* Administers grant programs relating to sex offender registration and notification;
* Cooperates with and provides technical assistance to public and private entities involved in activities related to sex offender registration or notification.
