NCJ Number
250553
Date Published
February 2016
Length
279 pages
Annotation
This report presents the FY 2016 budget request of the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), whose mission is "to increase public safety and improve the fair administration of justice across America through innovative leadership and programs."
Abstract
The FY 2016 budget request for OJP totals $2,749.9 million, which is a 32.1 percent decrease below the FY 2015 enacted level. The FY 2016 budget also proposes no rescission of prior year balances. OJP's FY 2016 request includes an increase of 46 positions over the FY 2015 enacted level of 717 positions. Although OJP does not directly perform law enforcement and justice activities, its role is to work in partnership with the justice community in identifying and addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the justice system, providing high-quality knowledge through innovative research and development. OJP's top priorities include fighting violent crime, implementing programs consistent with the Attorney General's Smart on Crime Initiative, reducing unnecessary confinement, preventing and treating youth violence, responding to the needs of victims, supporting tribal justice systems, and improving indigent defense. In FY 2016, OJP is requesting funding to support a new Body Worn Camera Partnership Program, which will fund competitive grants and training as well as technical assistance to help State, local, and tribal law enforcement and public safety agencies cover the costs of purchasing and deploying body-worn cameras. The FY budget request emphasizes investment in programs that address the Nation's top criminal justice and public safety priorities, notably, reducing violent crime and protecting vulnerable populations in the justice system. OJP promotes innovation and the adoption of evidence-based practices throughout the Nation's criminal justice systems through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative and the Smart Policing, Smart Prosecution, and Smart Probation programs. 13 exhibits