Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology

New technologies can offer police many useful methods for combating criminal activity, with such tools as GPS and advanced communications systems. Technologies such as body armor and less-lethal projectiles also improve the safety of both police and the public. However, in an increasingly high-tech world, more and more crimes involve technologies and police must be prepared for them.

NIJ sponsors a broad array of research and development of equipment and technology for police. Its research priorities are based on the needs of the law enforcement community. NIJ both creates new technologies and evaluates technologies on the market for effectiveness and safety. Its evaluation programs are often conducted in real-world environments in partnership with local law enforcement and other outside entities. NIJ is also central in the development of standards for new technologies, such as ballistics standards for body armor.

NIJ is committed to helping make new equipment and technology available to police throughout the country. Through outreach programs, NIJ introduces police to new tools and offers a variety of training programs on new technologies. NIJ also provides ongoing technology assistance for police using advanced communications equipment.

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