NCJ Number
240300
Date Published
November 2013
Length
77 pages
Annotation
This fiscal year 2011 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Annual Report describes the funding, technical assistance, and diverse resources BJA provided to support jurisdictions in reducing and preventing crime and promoting fairness in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The BJA, a component of the U.S Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), was created in 1984 to help America's local, State, and tribal governments reduce violence and restore security in communities, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nation's criminal justice system. In fiscal year 2011, BJA focuses its programs and policies on providing a wide range of resources to law endorsement, courts, corrections, treatment, justice information sharing, and community-based partners in addressing emerging and chronic crime challenges nationwide. Specifically, BJA improved State and local efforts to reduce and prevent violent crime, including gang, gun, and drug crime. These efforts were based in data collection and analysis as well as evaluation research evidence. BJA also addressed economic and financial crime, including mortgage fraud and intellectual property crime. State and local law enforcement were supported in identifying and preventing terrorist incidents. In addition, BJA promoted interoperability (electronic communication across public safety agencies) and information-sharing intended to improve the ability of State and local law enforcement and justice agencies to share criminal intelligence while ensuring the protection of privacy rights and civil liberties. Fairness and access to justice through the courts was also improved. In the area of corrections, supports for smart and effective approaches to offender reentry were emphasized. Tribal criminal justice systems were also improved through funding, technical assistance, and training. Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants provided approximately $366 million to 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 5 Territories for local, State, and tribal justice initiatives. Appended detailed data are available at www.bja.gov/AR