1967NIJ Tracking an Era
A Transformation in Criminal JusticeIntroduction 1967-'69
- The President's Commission on Crime and Administration of Justice reports the "revolution of scientific discovery has largely bypassed the problems of crime and crime control."
1968
- Congress responds. As part of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, it creates the National Institute of Justice to support a continuing Federal criminal justice research effort to help State and local governments improve police, courts, and corrections and gain a better understanding of criminal behavior.
1969
- NIJ begins with 35 employees and a budget of $2.9 million. The Institute joins other Federal agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations in building on criminological research, spurring development of new knowledge in criminal justice, and increasing the corps of skilled researchers and innovative practitioners.
- Awards during the first year encompass several key areas: law enforcement communications systems, crime prevention and rehabilitation, technology, and management and organization of the criminal justice system.
- NIJ begins support for graduate research fellowships and assessing curriculum needs in degree programs for criminal justice professionals.