National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. The organization advances public safety by funding and disseminating evidence-based research, technology development, and data-driven practices for the criminal justice community. NIJ works closely with federal, state, and local stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, and forensic laboratories, to ensure policies and operational decisions are informed by rigorous science. While NIJ is a federal entity, its work frequently supports state administrative agencies through research findings, tools, and technical guidance.

NIJ programs are designed to strengthen the effectiveness, fairness, and security of the justice system. These programs span a wide range of focus areas, including crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement technologies, corrections, and information sharing. In recent years, aspects of cybersecurity have increasingly intersected with NIJ-funded technology and forensic research, due to the growing reliance on digital systems and data exchange across justice and public safety organizations. In specific technology and digital evidence contexts, NIJ research helps agencies understand cyber risks, assess emerging threats, and evaluate tools and practices that protect sensitive criminal justice information.

NIJ grants play a central role in translating research into real-world impact. Through competitive funding opportunities, NIJ grants support state and local agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations working on justice-related challenges, including technology, data, and information-system–related initiatives. These grants may fund research into secure justice information systems, development of technologies that protect digital evidence, or technology pilots related to secure handling and management of justice data and digital evidence. By emphasizing evaluation and accountability, NIJ ensures that cybersecurity efforts contribute to measurable improvements in security and operational integrity.

As justice agencies adopt more digital platforms, meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining compliance with security best practices has become critical. NIJ guidance and grant-funded research can inform agencies as they align with broader federal expectations around data protection and risk management, helping agencies modernize responsibly. Imprivata supports these objectives by providing identity, access, and authentication solutions that help state and local government organizations strengthen cybersecurity, protect sensitive systems, and align with regulatory and compliance expectations. Imprivata state and local government solutions enable agencies to implement secure access controls and identity management practices that align with the evidence-based technology goals emphasized in NIJ-funded research.