October 2019

Better knowledge of the use and effects of Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) and developments in constitutional law have prompted law enforcement in the past decade to revisit policies on the widely used “less-lethal weapon” which stuns and usually immobilizes subjects to make it easier for law enforcement officers to subdue them. Since CEDs were introduced as a law enforcement tool, the NIJ has sponsored research related to implementation, officer training and potential effects. NIJ-sponsored research on CED effects has repeatedly…

The recent ransomware attacks targeting systems across the country are the latest in a string of attacks affecting state and local government partners. The growing number of such attacks highlights the critical importance of making cyber preparedness a priority and taking the necessary steps to secure our networks against adversaries. Prevention is the most effective defense against ransomware. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), the National Governors Association (NGA), and the…

The National Institute of Justice has released a new video which highlights the work of practitioners from across the criminal justice system. The video and its companion document, “National Best Practices for Implementing and Sustaining a Cold Case Investigation Unit,” (PDF) provide information on the importance of cold case units and the impact they can have within the criminal justice system. To view the video, go to nij.ojp.gov/media/video/23381

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services recently published a new report, “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies,” designed primarily to address officer psychological health and well-being. This document focuses on innovative, but replicable, programs in law enforcement agencies of various sizes around the country. The publication reports on 11 case studies of programs in ten departments and one call-in crisis line. Each chapter describes the agencies’ programs and their origins, focusing on elements which can be implemented elsewhere…