NCJ Number
164268
Date Published
February 1997
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The joint technology program established by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) in 1994 is discussed with respect to its origins, the seven areas of joint technology development and their expected payoffs, and the benefits of the program.
Abstract
DOJ and DOD have clearly defined and separate functions, but they perform many of the same tasks and have a long history of sharing technology through ad hoc transfers of technology and equipment. However, greater benefits in cost-effectiveness and other areas result when efforts involve joint technology development in partnerships throughout the government. DOJ and DOD signed a memorandum of understanding on this issue in April 1994 to establish an extendable 5-year program. A Joint Program Steering Group (JPSG) manages daily operations; a high-level interagency Senior Review Group sets policy. The JPSG program focuses on seven main areas of technology development: (1) concealed weapons detection, (2) limited effects technology, (3) new body armor, (4) medical technologies, (5) information sharing during crises, (6) locating sniper fire, and (7) locating and tagging individuals and property. The program has already produced several technology prototypes. Areas being considered for future efforts include vehicle stopping; noninvasive drug detection; explosives detection; and simulation for training, planning, and analysis. Photographs and map