Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur today announced $1,358,011 in Department of Justice grants to institutions, agencies and organizations for research and evaluation projects that identify data-driven programs for reducing crime and promoting justice. The awards span research topic priorities such as prisoner reentry, terrorism prevention, human trafficking and police officer safety and wellness.
The awards are part of a strategic plan developed by OJP’s National Institute of Justice to advance technology, strengthen scientific research and translate knowledge to practice. They represent NIJ’s broader effort to include more diversity of disciplines, such as physical and social sciences, to link areas of research that have not previously been connected.
“Research into the causes of criminal activity allows law enforcement and state and local agencies to develop best practices to prevent such crime, reduce recidivism, and keep our communities safe," said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “While enforcement and consequences are essential parts of our crime-reduction strategy, it’s also wise to invest in measures to reduce and prevent crime before it happens, and to provide assistance to returning citizens to help them become productive members of the community."
“The more we know about crime-the better we understand its causes and consequences-the greater our chances of finding sustainable solutions to the public safety problems confronting our communities," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The research supported by these awards will expand our knowledge about what works to reduce crime, curb reoffending and protect our criminal justice professionals, and this new knowledge will put us a step closer to achieving a more just and lawful society."
The research addresses critical needs such as prisoner reentry, emphasizing innovative strategies to reintegrate offenders into communities and reduce recidivism. Today’s announcement includes three projects that will study reentry initiatives, including those in rural communities. The research will advance the body of knowledge on promising practices in the field of offender reentry.
The following Maryland organizations received funding:
* The University of Maryland received $369,412, as part of $800,000 granted nationwide to fund research and evaluation projects that inform efforts to prevent and reduce intentional, interpersonal firearm violence and mass shootings in the United States.
* Development Services Group, Inc. received $998,599 of more than $2.2 million granted nationwide, to build knowledge and evidence related to strategies for effective prevention of terrorism in the United States. The research projects will primarily benefit criminal justice agencies and their attendant communities at the state and local levels.
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
