Technology and Tools
Law enforcement and corrections officers rely on various technologies for effective law enforcement and their own safety. NIJ helps ensure that officers have the equipment they need by developing standards and testing equipment against the standards. NIJ also helps to bring affordable new equipment to market by funding research and development of innovative technologies.
Technology and Tools Pages
Information on technology and tools is divided into four main categories and subtopics within each category. Select "Show Subtopics" to find increasingly specific information.
Equipment Standards and Testing
Developing Technology Standards
Technology Funding and Assistance
Communication Technology Assistance
Crime Laboratory Enhancement Funding
Technology Development Process
High Priority Technology Needs
Confirming the Guilty and Protecting the Innocent
Collaboration and Coordination for Technology Research and Development
Ongoing Aerial Surveillance Projects
Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Ballistic Resistance Standard, 0101.06
Stab-Resistent Body Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Stab Resistance Standard, 0115.00
Medical Management Guidelines for Impacts to Body Armor
Body Armor Research and Evaluation Results
Standards and Testing for Body Armor
NIJ Standard-0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor
NIJ Standard-0115.00, Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor
Communications Systems Governance
Interoperability Basics for Practitioners
Communication Technology Assistance
Communication Technology Outreach and Education
Computer/Cybercrime (Digital Evidence and Forensics)
Digital Evidence Investigative Tools
Preventing Data Loss When Seizing Electronic Devices of Interest
Identifying Intrusion and Unauthorized Activities
Acquiring Data From Networked Computers
Enhancing "At-the-Scene" Digital Analysis Capabilities of First Responders
Digital Evidence Analysis Tools
Metadata Analysis and Extraction
Macintosh Digital Forensic Tools
Digital Forensics Standards and Capacity Building
The Electronic Crime Technology Center of Excellence
Computer Forensic Tool Testing Program
Digital Forensic Guides
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, Second Edition
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: An On-the-Scene Reference for First Responders
Detection and Surveillance Technologies
Detection of Weapons, Contraband and Chemicals
Detecting Items Hidden on a Person or Inside a Body
Detecting Items Hidden or Substances Present in the Surrounding Environment
Standards Development for Detection and Surveillance Equipment
Corrections Equipment and Technology
Improving Supervision in the Community
Evaluating a Location-Based Offender Monitoring System
Standards & Testing Program for Offender Tracking Technologies
Field Search: A Tool for Monitoring Sex Offenders (NCJRS abstract)
Improving Safety in Institutions with Technology
Contraband Control and Detection
Detecting Drugs on Surfaces Quickly and Easily
Detecting Items Hidden on a Person or Inside a Body
Detecting Items Hidden or Substances Present in the Surrounding Environment
An Introduction to Portal Contraband Detection Technology (pdf, 4 pages)
Walk-Through Metal Detectors Standard: current NIJ Standard-0601.02, updated standard under development
Hand-Held Metal Detectors Standard: current NIJ Standard-0602.02, updated standard under development
Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Ballistic Resistance Standard, 0101.06
Stab-Resistent Body Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Stab Resistance Standard, 0115.00
Research and Evaluation Results on Body Armor
Current and Future Research on Body Armor
Standards and Testing for Body Armor
0101.06, NIJ Standard, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor
0115.00, NIJ Standard, Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor
