Safety, Health, and Wellness Strategic Research Plan - 2016-2021

• NCJ Number: 250153
• Author(s): Cara Altimus; Bethany Backes; Dara Blachman-Demner; Mary P. Carlton; Brett Chapman; William Ford; Marie Garcia; Mark Greene; Jack Harne; Joseph Heaps; Seri Irazola; Eric Martin; Brian Montgomery; Angela Moore; Marilyn Moses; Carrie Mulford; Michael O'Shea; Steven Schuetz; Frances Scott; Howard Spivak; George Tillery; Heather Waltke; Phelan Wyrick
• Date Published: August 2016
• Length: 25 pages
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Program/Project Description; Policy

Annotation

This strategic plan outlines some key scientific research investments that the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research arm of the U.S. Justice Department, hopes to make over the next 5 years in its commitment to safety, health, and wellness in the criminal justice system.

Abstract

The plan recognizes that not only law enforcement officers but people who interact with the criminal justice system must be made safe and experience greater health and well-being. The plan requires that researchers from all disciplines must work together to address challenges to health and well-being for all involved in the criminal justice system. By outlining the most pressing challenges for the criminal justice system in rendering safety. health, and wellness, this plan will guide the research community in seeking funding for research projects that benefit the criminal justice system in its efforts to render safety, health, and well-being. The research objectives are related to the health, safety, and wellness of individuals working in various criminal justice occupations, as well as the safety, health, and wellness of persons processed and managed by criminal justice personnel. Current and proposed research in these broad areas are described. Action plans outline proposed research goals, such as promoting officers' vehicular and traffic safety, the unique safety concerns presented by correctional settings, and law enforcement personnel's interaction with civilians who have mental illness, physical disabilities, or other conditions that may underlie problem behaviors.