Center for Justice Research and Innovation

The Center for Justice Research and Innovation transforms research into real-world programs and strategies for hundreds of justice system agencies across the country. We specialize in research, training, technical assistance, and critical incident reviews. We conduct operational, technological, and management assessments to develop actionable solutions. Our work helps agencies reduce violent crime, improve the use of emerging technologies, and promote the safety and wellness of justice system stakeholders.

Areas of Practice

Research, Analysis and Evaluation

CNA conducts evaluative and action-oriented research grounded in operational realities. Our research informs the criminal justice field about promising practices and opportunities for improvement.

Training and Technical Assistance

CNA works directly with law enforcement and other justice agencies to develop and deliver customized, evidence-based training and technical assistance built on evidence-based solutions, to improve performance and maximize impact.

Organizational Innovation in Policing

CNA has decades of experience in data-driven, collaborative assessments of law enforcement policies and practices, promoting sustainable improvements tailored to the needs of each community.

Supporting Law Enforcement with Violent Crime Reduction

National Public Safety Partnership

The National Public Safety Partnership of the US Department of Justice provides an innovative framework to enhance federal support to law enforcement and prosecution authorities—with training and technical assistance from CNA.

Addressing Crime Through Innovative Technology

This series by CNA analysts for the US Department of Justice examines the use of existing and emerging technologies by law enforcement agencies.

Technology Implementation Guide

Fairfax County (Virginia) Department of Public Safety Communications Next Generation 911

Sacramento (California) Police Department's Virtual Reality System

CNA Futures Initiative

The CNA Futures Initiative—formerly the Project on American Justice—addresses evolving challenges and opportunities in the criminal justice system. The project delivers strategic insights and innovative solutions in advanced technologies, community engagement, and policy development.

Officer Safety and Wellness

Using data-driven research and analysis, we work with law enforcement agencies to identify the characteristics associated with positive safety and wellness outcomes, and provides targeted technical assistance designed to improve officer readiness.

Targeted Violence

By leveraging expertise in domestic terrorism and targeted violence prevention, CNA analysts are helping researchers and practitioners better understand the threat of targeted violence and equipping them with the knowledge and tools to combat it.

Recent Reports

Stationary Cameras vs. Body-Worn Cameras in a Local Jail

Work and Life Stressors of Law Enforcement Personnel

Law Enforcement Trainee Health and Wellness Bulletin

WELLNESS PEER LISTENING SESSION: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Rethinking Police Recruitment and Retention in the U.S.

COMMUNITY POLICING EVALUATION OF THE CITY OF TULSA OKLAHOMA

Police Staffing and Operations Assessment for Minneapolis

21st Century Policing Assessment San Jose PD

North Charleston SC Police Department Racial Bias Assessment

Law Enforcement Pandemic Response Field Guide

The Use of Predictive Analytics in Policing Bulletin

Organizational Transformation in Policing

Methuen Police Department Performance Audit

Law Enforcement Officer Safety Risks and Recommendations Bulletin

The Use of Predictive Analytics in Policing

Racial Bias Audit of the Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department

Racial Injustice and Police Community Relations

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Contacts

Vivian Elliott, Director

elliottv@cna.org