The webinar, featuring Dr. Nancy La Vigne, Director of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and Dr. Kevin Scott, Acting Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and moderated by Greg Ridgeway, provided insights into the latest DOJ-funded research and statistics on crime and justice in the United States. Dr. La Vigne highlighted NIJ's work in forensic science research, covering areas such as toxicology analysis, forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, ballistics, and body armor standards.
Dr. Scott discussed the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and its recent redesign, emphasizing improvements in efficiency, engagement with respondents, and updated questioning on rape and sexual assault. The redesigned NCVS aims to provide more accurate and detailed insights into criminal victimization experiences.
They also shared ways to access BJS statistics and NIJ research, which include:
• National Crime Victimization Survey Data Dashboard (N-DASH)-a dynamic analysis tool that
allows you to examine National Crime Victimization Survey data on personal and property
victimization, by victim, household, and incident characteristics.
• CrimeSolutions-a clearinghouse of rigorously evaluated programs and practices allows you to
search through NIJ-funded research findings
• Use askBJS@usdoj.gov or AskNIJ to submit questions or suggestions (monitored by staff)