NIJ FY24 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and its sub-office, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), has announced a call for grant applications for the fiscal year 2024. The focal point of this grant is to support research and evaluation studies related to the testing and interpretation of physical evidence in publicly funded forensic laboratories.

The NIJ, with this solicitation, encourages proposals that are capable of generating practical knowledge. This knowledge should foreseeably enhance the examination and interpretation techniques carried out in forensic science laboratories. The ultimate goal is to improve their efficacy, thus contributing to the justice community's practice.

In alignment with the DOJ's mission, the project promotes civil rights and equity. It also aims to increase access to justice, aid crime victims and those affected by the justice system, and strengthen community safety. Furthermore, the initiative asserts to protect the public from crimes and evolving threats. Accomplishing these goals is expected to aid in building trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The NIJ's Forensic Science Strategic Research Plan and the Forensic Science R&D Technology Working Group (TWG) outline the current research priorities and technological hurdles faced by operational forensic science labs. The grant program aims to support the development of new knowledge and tools to address these outlined priorities and challenges.

Through this initiative, the DOJ intends to fortify the rule of law, safeguard our nation, and protect civil rights. Ultimately, the program works towards enforcing the law, promoting public safety, preventing and reducing crime, and ensuring a fair and impartial administration of justice.