Understanding the National Criminal Justice Reference Service [NCJRS]
Definition & Meaning
The National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) is a federally funded program created in 1972 to provide access to information related to justice and substance abuse. Its primary goal is to support research, policy-making, and program development in the field of criminal justice. The NCJRS disseminates publications from various agencies within the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Office of Justice Programs, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and others. It also operates a library and reference center that serves law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, researchers, and the general public.
Legal Use & context
The NCJRS is utilized in various legal contexts, primarily within criminal justice and substance abuse policy development. It serves as a resource for:
- Law enforcement agencies seeking research and data.
- Policymakers crafting legislation related to crime and drug control.
- Researchers conducting studies in criminal justice.
- Educators and community leaders looking for information to inform their programs.
Users can access NCJRS resources to find forms and templates relevant to their needs, particularly for those managing issues related to substance abuse or criminal justice reform.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A local law enforcement agency uses NCJRS resources to develop a new community policing strategy aimed at reducing drug-related crimes in their area.
Example 2: A researcher accesses NCJRS publications to gather data for a study on the effectiveness of drug rehabilitation programs (hypothetical example).