OJP is interested in expanding our pool of expert peer reviewers. Help improve public safety by working with OJP to advance innovative and successful criminal and juvenile justice programs and services.

Each year, thousands of grant applications are submitted to OJP for criminal and juvenile justice funding opportunities. Peer reviewers provide subject matter expertise that informs the grant selection process. They read and evaluate applications in their field, giving scores and summarizing strengths and weaknesses. This information is used by OJP as part of a larger decision-making process.

Reviewers are given 2 weeks to read and evaluate 10–20 applications and participate in a consensus review. The estimated time commitment ranges from 25–30 hours per assignment and compensation is provided.

Opportunities for peer reviewers are available now. Start the enrollment process by sending an e-mail to OJP Peer Review.

In the second quarter of 2010, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) plans to release several new reports and data tables. Planned releases include Victimization During Household Burglary; Law Enforcement Gang Units, 2007; DNA Cases in Prosecutors’ Offices; Mortality in Local Jails, 2000-07; and many others. Report release dates are subject to change.

To receive e-mail notices about new materials, subscribe to JUSTSTATS.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has announced the availability of state and local criminal justice funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Funding can support law enforcement; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; crime victim and witness programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs. State and local planners are encouraged to consider evidence-based programs that have been shown to work as part of the strategic planning process.

Applications must be submitted through OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). Applicants must register with GMS prior to applying.

State solicitation applications are due by 8 p.m. EDT on June 16, 2010. For details on how to apply, see the solicitation.

Local solicitation applications are due by 8 p.m. EDT on June 30, 2010. Details on applying are available in the solicitation.

For technical assistance, applicants may contact the GMS Support Hotline at 1-888-549-9901 or via e-mail: GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov.

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force launched StopFraud.gov on April 16. StopFraud.gov is a one-stop site for American consumers to learn how to protect themselves from fraud and report fraud wherever it occurs. Too often, victims of financial fraud are overlooked because the crimes they suffer are not violent in nature. However, DOJ realizes the tragic impact that financial fraud can have on citizens and is committed to helping them overcome these crimes and seek justice.

The State of Delaware and the State of Florida both recently substantially implemented the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Delaware and Florida join the State of Ohio, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation as jurisdictions that have substantially implemented SORNA.

Both states have been actively working with OJP’s Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) to meet the requirements of SORNA.

Assistant Attorney General of OJP Laurie Robinson testified before a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee about the OJP fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget on April 22, 2010.

Her testimony highlighted four themes that are reflected throughout the President’s FY 2011 budget request for OJP activities, which includes almost $3.1 billion. Robinson explained the importance of strengthening partnerships with state, local, and tribal stakeholders by reaching out to the field. She discussed the $519 million request for the JAG program, which provides critical funding for states and local communities.

Robinson also discussed how providing applicable criminal and juvenile justice research is a uniquely federal role. She explained that the budget request calls for 3 percent of all OJP grant and reimbursement funds to be set aside for research, evaluation, and statistical activities. That funding is in addition to the requests for research, evaluation, and demonstration programs and the criminal justice statistics program.

Beyond providing research, OJP also must help states and localities by promoting evidence-based approaches, Robinson said. She pointed to the Evidence Integration Initiative as an important step toward achieving that goal.

The final theme Robinson discussed was the importance of spending taxpayer dollars responsibly by ensuring fairness, transparency, and effectiveness in the grant administration process. She noted that one major accomplishment in this area was the posting of all grant awards on OJP’s Web site.

Internet Safety Month

June is Internet Safety Month and a great opportunity to make sure children are safe online. Predators, identity thieves, and a wide array of scam artists use the Internet to commit crimes. Parents should carefully monitor their children’s use of computers and decide if unique accounts or parental controls are needed. Some helpful tips are available from the United States Computer Emergency Awareness Team, part of the Department of Homeland Security.

NIJ Conference

Every year, NIJ brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to discuss evidence about the effectiveness of programs and policies in crime and justice. This year’s conference is being held June 14–16, 2010, in Arlington, Virginia. Laurence Tribe will be the keynote speaker. He is a renowned constitutional scholar and head of the Justice Department’s new Access to Justice Initiative, which is addressing indigent defense issues. The complete agenda and registration information is available online.

Enforcing Victims’ Rights Training

Victim advocates with at least 2 years of experience in the field are invited to Enforcing Victims’ Rights, a training hosted by OVC’s Training and Technical Assistance Center. The training will be held June 16–17, 2010, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Registration information is available online.

Innovative Technologies for Corrections Conference

The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) is sponsoring a conference that will spotlight the innovative use of existing correctional technologies, as well as technologies on the horizon. The conference will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, June 21–23, 2010, and registration is open.

SORNA Implementation Deadline

Registration jurisdictions have until July 27, 2010, to substantially implement requirements for registering and monitoring sex offenders under the SORNA provisions of the Adam Walsh Act. However, jurisdictions may request an additional 1-year extension by submitting an extension request form to the SMART Office.

2010 National Forum on Criminal Justice and Public Safety

BJA, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the Integrated Justice Information Systems Institute are co-hosting the 2010 National Forum on Criminal Justice and Public Safety in Ft. Myers, Florida, August 1–3, 2010. Registration information is available online

Funding Opportunities

OJP’s Web site includes a complete list of all open solicitations. Just click on Funding at the top of the site to review all funding opportunities. You can also review the entire 2010 Program Plan for complete information about opportunities throughout the year. Don’t forget to check the Web site regularly for updates.