On the Cutting Edge: Law Enforcement Technology

• NCJ Number: 156173
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1995) Pages: 1-5
• Date Published: 1995
• Author(s): D G Boyd
• Length: 5 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey; Issue Overview

Annotation

Under the auspices of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the National Law Enforcement Technology Center (NLETC), formerly the Technology Assessment Program Information Center (TAPIC), is responsible for setting performance standards for police equipment, testing new products, and disseminating test results to criminal justice agencies.

Abstract

NLETC works with the Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to identify dual-use technologies, and works with its advisory council to prioritize projects and set standards for equipment. The projects are developed and tested in private laboratories and then NIJ analyzes the data and disseminates the results. NLETC develops less-than-lethal technologies including sticky foam, strobe-and-goggle technology, backseat airbags, remote-control barrier strips, and a fleeing vehicle tagging system. Officer safety remains a top priority, and NLETC sponsors projects designed to save officers' lives such as the smart gun and personnel monitoring systems. Investigative tools for law enforcement include the magic wand and the smart car. 4 notes