National Institute Of Justice Research Articles

Ongoing Work with Adult Skeletal Age Estimation

Improving adult age-at-death estimates using visible features of the human skeleton has been the subject of much research because such assessments are critical elements of forensic investigations and bioarchaeological studies. Beginning in 2014, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ)–funded research team developed a set of age-informative skeletal traits; collected reference data from collections in the United States, Portugal, Thailand, and South Africa; evaluated traits for their applicability; and developed alternative ways to generate age estimates from those traits. Here we present a comparison of two ways to produce age estimates: Stephen D. Ousley’s machine learning approach available as beta version computer software (TA3-ML) and an analytical procedure that originated with the version of transition analysis introduced two decades ago with different skeletal characteristics (TA3-TA). The two approaches are evaluated using the same 41 modern Portuguese and American skeletons. Both methods rely on NIJ-project skeletal data (TA3), but the number of traits used differs, as do reference sample sizes and compositions. Estimates generated through TA3-TA more closely approximate reported ages throughout adulthood than those from TA3-ML. Nevertheless, there remains a problem with underestimation in the TA3-TA approach, and neither method is ready for widespread implementation. Ongoing work is being directed toward resolving these issues by adjusting the mix of NIJ-project traits used in TA3-TA.

Development of stab resistant armor for different energy levels using shear thickening fluid reinforced multi‐layered p‐aramid fabrics

AbstractStab‐resistant armors are important protective gear for the law enforcement officers and security forces. This research attempts to develop stab‐resistant armors for different impact energy levels using multi‐layer neat and shear thickening fluid (STF)‐ treated Kevlar® fabrics. The developed panels were tested using National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) P1 knife at wide range of stabbing energy from 6 to 36 J. The panel containing 16 layers of STF‐treated Kevlar® fabric met the requirements at normal and over‐test conditions showing penetration depth lower than 7 and 20 mm, respectively. For stabbing at high energy level (≥ 24 J), the effect of number of Kevlar® fabric layers was found to be highly beneficial in case of STF‐treated condition and not so for the neat one. STF treatment reduced the stab penetration depth by 40%–68% at 24–36 J energy level without any increase in effective weight of the panel. The fabric‐knife interaction was also studied using a novel sharpness tester and optical microscopy. It was found that the tip of knife deformes and sharpness declines at a faster rate in case of STF‐treated fabric. The study opens up possibilities to explore other materials that would damage the tip of knife during stabbing ensuring better protection.Highlights Stab resistant armor has been developed for different energy levels. Effect of number of neat fabric layers is less pronounced at higher energy levels. STF can reduce the penetration depth significantly at high energy levels. Silica particles damage the knife tip during stabbing. STF‐treated panels are lighter and efficacious than their neat counterparts.

Bio-inspired helicoidal hemp/basalt/polyurethane rubber bio-composites: Experimental, numerical and analytical ballistic impact study with residual velocity prediction using artificial neural network

Recent body armour trends emphasize mobility, flexibility, and cost reduction while maintaining ballistic effectiveness through the use of natural fiber composite. This study evaluates the ballistic impact performance of soft and hard armor using experimental, analytical, numerical, and machine learning methods. We developed a soft armor bio-composite using monolithic, hybrid, and helicoidal structured Hemp (H)/Basalt (B)/Polyurethane (PU) rubber and tested its V50 ballistic limit according to Millitary-Standred-662 F. For hard armour, a multi-layer armor system (MAS) consisting of Al2O3/SiC ceramic, intermediate soft armour bio-composites, and an Aluminum (Al)-5052 plate backing was tested with armour-piercing bullets as per National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-0101.06 standards (Level IV). Soft armor performance was evaluated using macro-homogeneous finite element (FE), the Ipson-Retch analytical, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) regression model. Results showed minimal discrepancies from experimental data, with differences of 13.33 %, 12.08 %, and 8.08 % in V50 ballistic limit. The mechanical and thermal behaviors of bio-composites were assessed using un-notched Charpy, FTIR, and TGA methods. Helicoidal laminates improved Charpy toughness by 9.44 %, 19.30 %, and 40.28 % compared to hybrid and monolithic ([H]15 and [H]10) laminates, and exhibited lower weight reduction at high degradation temperature of 395.76 ℃. Helicoidal laminates increased V50 ballistic performance by 155.80 %, 76.22 %, and 16.61 % compared to [H]10, [H]15, and hybrid laminates, respectively. Due to spiral load distribution reduces stress concentration and enhanced the damage resistance of the laminate. Stand-alone soft armor demonstrates crater formation and radial cracks (petaling) due to fiber wedging and the shearing effect of a bullet. In conclusion, MAS revels a maximum back face deformation (BFD) of 18.06 mm. Al2O3/Helicoidal/Al-plate MAS reduced weight and cost by 69.21 %, and 233.72 % compared to Kevlar™-based MAS, promoting sustainable, lightweight, economical designs. Due to its higher fracture toughness and lower density, SiC ceramic in MAS provides lower trauma and further reduced weight compared to Al2O3 ceramic.

Facile armour production from cocoon waste by a cold-pressing process

Utilising cocoon waste as reinforcement in composites offers a cost-effective alternative for soft body armour production. Cocoon waste, including damaged or uncoiled cocoons and those with pupae, is recognised as an eco-friendly choice. This study aims to develop and assess the incorporation of varying amounts of cocoon waste as reinforcement in epoxy resin matrix composites through the cold-pressing process. The cocoon waste content in the composite specimens ranged from 0 to 40 wt%. Tensile testing and ballistic impact testing were conducted to evaluate specimen performance. The cocoon waste composite plate exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 62.21 MPa at 30 wt%, slightly surpassing that of woven hemp. These findings indicate the advantageous reinforcement attributes of cocoon waste. However, a limitation was identified: bullets fully penetrated the composite plate. To address this, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene was incorporated into cocoon waste composites, resulting in enhanced tensile strength (107.36 MPa) and complete bullet penetration prevention. These outcomes position the study as a promising avenue for developing body armour plates meeting the stringent level II certification standards set by the National Institute of Justice.

Objective and subjective experiences of childhood maltreatment and their relationships with cognitive deficits: a cohort study in the USA

Cognitive deficits might contribute to the elevated risk of life-course psychopathology observed in maltreated children. Leading theories about the links between childhood maltreatment and cognitive deficits focus on documented exposures (objective experience), but empirical research has largely relied on retrospective self-reports of these experiences (subjective experience), and the two measures identify largely non-overlapping groups. We aimed to test the associations of objective and subjective measures of maltreatment with cognitive abilities within the same individuals. We studied a cohort of individuals from the US Midwest with both objective, court-documented evidence of childhood maltreatment and subjective self-reports of individuals' histories at age 29 years. Between the ages of 29 years and 41 years, participants were assessed with a comprehensive set of cognitive tests, including tests of general verbal intelligence (Quick Test and Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised [WRAT]), non-verbal intelligence (Matrix Reasoning Test [MRT]), executive function (Stroop Test and Trail Making Test Part B [TMT-B]), and processing speed (Trail Making Test Part A [TMT-A]). Participants were also assessed for psychopathology (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory). We tested the associations between objective or subjective measures of childhood maltreatment with cognitive functions using ordinary least squares regression. To test whether cognitive deficits could explain previously described associations between different measures of maltreatment and subsequent psychopathology, we re-ran the analyses accounting for group differences in the Quick Test. People with lived experience were not involved in the research or writing process. The cohort included 1196 individuals (582 [48·7%] female, 614 [51·3%] male; 752 [62·9%] White, 417 [34·9%] Black, 36 [3·8%] Hispanic) who were assessed between 1989 and 2005. Of the 1179 participants with available data, 173 had objective-only measures of childhood maltreatment, 492 had objective and subjective measures, 252 had subjective-only measures, and 262 had no measures of childhood maltreatment. Participants with objective measures of childhood maltreatment showed pervasive cognitive deficits compared with those without objective measures (Quick Test: β=-7·97 [95% CI -9·63 to -6·30]; WRAT: β=-7·41 [-9·09 to -5·74]; MRT: β=-3·86 [-5·86 to -1·87]; Stroop Test: β=-1·69 [-3·57 to 0·20]; TMT-B: β=3·66 [1·67 to 5·66]; TMT-A: β=2·92 [0·86 to 4·98]). The associations with cognitive deficits were specific to objective measures of neglect. In contrast, participants with subjective measures of childhood maltreatment did not differ from those without subjective measures (Quick Test: β=1·73 [95% CI -0·05 to 3·50]; WRAT: β=1·62 [-0·17 to 3·40]; MRT: β=0·19 [-1·87 to 2·24]; Stroop Test: β=-1·41 [-3·35 to 0·52]; TMT-B: β=-0·57 [-2·69 to 1·55]; TMT-A: β=-0·36 [-2·38 to 1·67]). Furthermore, cognitive deficits did not explain associations between different measures of maltreatment and subsequent psychopathology. Previous studies based on retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment have probably grossly underestimated the extent of cognitive deficits in individuals with documented experiences of childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect. Psychopathology associated with maltreatment is unlikely to emerge because of cognitive deficits, but might instead be driven by individual appraisals, autobiographical memories, and associated schemas. National Institute of Justice, National Institute of Mental Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute on Aging, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Development of Ballistic Protection Soft Panels According to Regulatory Documents

The development of Ballistic Protection Vests (BPVs) has gained significant attention, particularly focusing on the design of Ballistic Protection Soft Panels (BPSPs), which are crucial to the overall size and configuration of these vests. Despite their critical role, there is a noticeable lack of a standardized design method for surface area patterns of BPSPs in the existing literature. The findings indicate that the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard 0101.06 Ballistic Test Templates (BTTs) are only partially applicable to the design of BPSP patterns. While the NIJ standard 0101.06 provides a useful framework, it requires adaptation to meet the specific needs of regional body types and the practicalities of BPV manufacturing. This research aims to address this gap by assessing the suitability of NIJ BTTs for the design of BPSPs and BPVs and to develop a standardized pattern design methodology along with a method for calculating the surface area of the soft amour prior to its creation. Results have to be achieved ready for the production of BPSP patterns tailored to the body types of regional soldiers while adhering to relevant standards and soldier’s physical comfort, thereby saving time and resources for manufacturers and researchers. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of the NIJ standard 0101.06 BTT for configuring these templates into the cutting patterns of BPSPs. To achieve this, patterns for BPSPs were designed and the feasibility of using NIJ BTTs for their configuration was analyzed. The research process involved a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of the dimensions of existing BPV soft panels, and a comparison with NIJ standard 0101.06 BTT. The design and scaling of the panel patterns were executed using computer-aided design (CAD) systems and evaluated through both physical fitting on mannequins and virtual fitting using the Clo3D program. The developed pattern-making methodology includes size specifications tailored to regional covers, incorporating a coefficient K identified to calculate the BPSP surface area prior to design. This approach not only ensures better fitting for the physical comfort and protection of soldiers but also saves time and resources in the manufacturing process of BPSPs. The proposed design methodology offers a significant step forward in standardizing BPSP patterns, promising enhanced protection and efficiency in BPV manufacturing.

Comparative Analysis of NIJ and NIST Methods for MicroSD Investigations: A Technopreneur Approach

This research aims to compare the performance of two forensic investigation methods, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically for evidence analysis of MicroSD cards. MicroSD cards are frequently used as external storage in various digital devices, making them critical in digital forensic investigations. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these methods using tools such as Access Data FTK Imager and autopsy. The NIJ method enthis comparative passes detailed stages of preparation, collection, examination, analysis, and reporting, while the NIST method includes stages of collection, examination, analysis, and reporting. Results indicate that the NIJ method provides more comprehensive and detailed results, while the NIST method offers a faster investigation process. Additionally, tables and graphs illustrating performance metrics are included to substantiate the findings. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights for technopreneurs in optimizing digital forensic methods for better data integrity and efficiency, ultimately enhancing decision-making processes in technological entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this study aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by promoting innovative forensic methods that support the development of resilient infrastructure and foster innovation in the digital age. This study highlights the importance of effective forensic methods in supporting technopreneurial ventures.

Improvement of forensic medical diagnosis of projectile type injuries from automatic firearm chambered in 5.45 mm caliber through spatial 3D modeling

Spatial 3D modeling has become one of the modern and most accurate evidential methods of research, carving out its niche in various fields of medical science and practice. Therefore, our focus has been on laying the groundwork for its implementation in the process of conducting forensic medical examinations of gunshot injuries, which have garnered significant attention from all forensic physicians, particularly after unprovoked aggression from Russia and the onset of active hostilities in our country. The aim of the study was to improve the forensic medical diagnosis of projectile type in injuries from automatic firearm AKS-74U chambered in 5.45x39 mm caliber by utilizing spatial 3D modeling of specific elements within the wound channel. The entire series of experimental shots was conducted using an AKS-74U firearm, with a bullet caliber of 5.45x39 mm. As the research material, Roma Plastilina Number 1 ballistic clay, manufactured in the USA, was used for conducting standardized ballistic tests according to NIJ (National Institute of Justice) and HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) standards. The series of experiments consisted of 15 gunshots; then the physical characteristics of the bullet, main morphological elements of the wound of skin and different portions of wound channel were investigated (195 measurements in general). The morphological features of individual elements within the wound channel were measured using conventional measurement tools, and also after their 3D modeling using graphic editors such as "Agisoft Photoscan" and "3ds max." Direct and strong correlations (ranging from 0.60 to 0.72) have been established between the initial velocity, kinetic energy, specific energy of bullet, and the diameter of the entry wound in 3D modeling, as well as the diameters of the wound channel in its central portion, measured both by conventional measuring tools and based on the results of their 3D modeling (р=0,02). Furthermore, inverse correlation relationships of moderate strength (ranging from -0.63 to -0.66) have been detected between the initial velocity, kinetic energy, specific energy, and the presence of abrasion collar around the entry wound (р=0,03). The created conditions allow to conduct the differentiation in diagnosing the type of projectile, the identification and study of new characteristics of key elements in firearm-related injuries, and improvement in measurement accuracy. They also enhance clarity and objectivity during the execution of forensic medical examinations in cases of combat-related firearm injuries.

DISCOVERY OF A NEW MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE DURING THE STUDY OF GUNSHOT INJURY USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING OF THE WOUND CHANNEL

The use of spatial three-dimensional modeling of the main elements of a gunshot injury plays a significant part in the modern forensic medical examination. It allows not only to improve the visualization of such bodily injuries, to increase the objectivity and validity of expert conclusions, to accumulate an evidence basis for war crimes committed with the use of various types of firearms, but it also helps to discover new morphological features which couldn’t be detected when using traditional research methods. The work shows the process of detecting a new morphological feature during three-dimensional modeling of the wound channel caused by the IJ 70-01 pistol loaded with 9 mm cartridges.
 Aim of the work. Demonstration of new possibilities of three-dimensional spatial modeling in the process of the forensic investigation of a gunshot wound.
 Materials and methods. To achieve the aim of study, a series of experimental shots were fired from the IJ 70-01 automatic pistol loaded with 9 mm cartridges. To conduct bench ballistic tests according to the US standards – NIJ (National Institute of Justice), HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) – standardized ballistic clay Roma Plastilina No.1 was used as the main material that absorbs the energy of the bullet and reproduces all the elements of wound ballistics. It was coated in pig skin with subcutaneous adipose tissue in order to recreate more true-to-life conditions of the gunshot injury. The generated wound channel was filled with Tropicalgin alginate impression material (Zhermack, Italy), which was mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions; it has short setting time and reproduces the smallest details of the wound channel. Thereafter, the formed cast of the wound channel was subjected to a series of photographs at the appropriate angles and its 3D model was created with the help of the graphic design software “Agisoft PhotoScan” and “3ds max”.
 Results. The result of the conducted studies was obtaining a spatial three-dimensional model of the gunshot wound channel, which brings about new opportunities for its research. The implementation of three-dimensional modeling techniques made it possible to discover a new morphological feature – a helical torsion of the wound channel, the direction of which can indicate specific design features of the firearm used.
 Conclusions. The implementation of three-dimensional spatial modeling in the process of a gunshot trauma investigation sets conditions for increasing visibility and objectivity during conduction of such forensic medical examinations. At the same time, new opportunities are brought about for taking linear dimensions of the existing morphological features of the wound channel main elements with extended precision, the accumulation of demonstrative evidence basis in cases of such injuries, and the discovery of new morphological features for identification of the specific design features of the firearm used.

Primary Prevention of Sex Trafficking: Time to Move the Needle on Demand Reduction

ABSTRACT Consumer-level demand reduction is positioned as the primary prevention of sex trafficking, and researchers and practitioners are implored to expand the focus on consumer-level demand in scholarship and practice. Evidence of consumer-level demand is an ever-present piece of the physical, psychological, and sexual violence that stems from the overlapping systems of prostitution and sex trafficking. While multilateral legal obligations and political commitments geared toward discouraging the demand that fosters sex trafficking exist, actions that hold sex buyers accountable have been slow-moving. Research, too, frequently ignores the glaring role of sex buyers in ringfencing sex trafficking crimes, shrouding traffickers, and obscuring victims. This commentary is informed by the author’s interspersing law enforcement and operational fieldwork dating back to 2002 and a recent study sponsored by the National Institute of Justice and completed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation’s Research Institute.

Forensic Digital Analysis of Telegram Applications Using the National Institute Of Justice and Naïve Bayes Methods

Currently, Telegram is an instant messaging application that is often used by the Indonesian people as a means of long-distance communication with other users. Telegram also has good security features to protect all data from its users. However, Telegram has a positive impact on its users. This security feature can be used by several people to protect against digital crimes, especially cases of sexual harassment. To overcome the existing crimes, analysis, and forensic methods are needed to help solve crimes. This research is guided by the investigation process using the National Institute Of Justice (NIJ) method and the Naïve Bayes method to classify the conversations found. It can be concluded that MOBILedit Forensic Express has a poor performance in finding digital evidence in the Telegram application and FTK Imager is very good at finding digital evidence in the Telegram application. In this research, the classification process using the Naïve Bayes method has been able to classify conversations that contain sexual harassment or not. Evaluation of the classification method uses a confusion matrix to determine the best classification model.

Analisis Bukti Digital Direct Message Pada Twitter Menggunakan Metode National Institute Of Justice (NIJ)

Twitter is a social media application that can be used on desktop, web and smartphone systems. The large number of Twitter users makes Twitter inseparable from cyber crimes, such as pornography, online gambling, hate speech and other crimes. The purpose of this study is to conduct a forensic investigation on the Twitter Direct Message (DM) application using the NIJ method and determine the success rate of forensic tools in finding deleted data. This study uses the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) method with the stages of identification, collection, examination, analysis, and reporting assisted by forensic tools to obtain digital traces that can be used as evidence. The results obtained from this study were the discovery of evidence of deleted chats and images on Twitter DMs with a success rate of forensic tools (Magnet AXIOM and MOBILEedit) in finding these evidences of 66.66%.

Analisis Perbandingan Kinerja Root Explorer Dan Oxygen Forensic Detective Pada Forensic Digital

Rapid information and communication technology has a positive impact in the form of speed and ease of obtaining information and data by using an Android-based smartphone. But, on the other hand, it also has a negative impact in the form of cybercrime. This study aims to raise evidence of digital data and information in identifying pornographic crime cases using the Tantan app. The forensics analysis process in this study uses the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) method and 1 forensic tool, namely Oxygen Forensics Detective. The research scenario is the occurrence of pornography crimes. The research scenario is the occurrence of pornography crimes. This research succeeded in finding evidence in the form of photographs, videos, music, contacts, and chats. Testing using the Oxygen Forensic Detective tool, where the data taken on the Android pad uses the help of the Root Explorer application

Digital Forensic Investigates Sexual Harassment on Telegram using Naïve Bayes

The widespread use of Telegram in Indonesia has had both positive and negative effects. While the app offers strong security features, it has also become a platform for digital crimes, including sexual harassment. This study aims to address the need for effective forensic analysis and classification methods by employing the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) methodology and Naïve Bayes classifier to analyze conversations on Telegram. The research evaluates the performance of digital forensic tools and the effectiveness of the Naïve Bayes method in identifying instances of sexual harassment conversation. The data analyzed is about conversations on the telegram application that contain sexual harassment. Data collection involves extracting relevant conversations and subjecting them to forensic analysis using MOBIL edit Forensic Express and FTK Imager. Based on the test results, the naïve Bayes algorithm can be used to classify conversations into positive and negative about sexual harassment. The value obtained from naïve Bayes testing is the accuracy value of 91.3%, Precision 100%, and Recall 90%.

Imperfect Tools: A Research Note on Developing, Applying, and Increasing Understanding of Criminal Justice Risk Assessments

This article shares considerations for designing, implementing, and understanding risk assessments used to reduce recidivism of people under community supervision. These insights are gleaned from 27 data scientists who participated in focus groups during the National Institute of Justice’s Recidivism Challenge Winners Symposium. Analyses revealed three primary themes: design considerations, implementation, and increasing awareness and understanding of risk assessments. Critical aspects of the design phase include validating the tool, incorporating field data that account for real-time changes, and adopting strategies to address false positives/negatives and the model’s complexity. Upon the tool’s development, practitioners are recommended to devise an implementation plan, balance attention to risk with client-focused needs, and exercise modest discretion while considering algorithmic results. Recognizing the value predictive instruments bring to decision-making and identifying their limitations is needed to increase understanding for all stakeholders. Collaboration and dialogue between tool developers and practitioners are crucial at every stage.

Weak State as a Security Threat: Study Case of El Salvador (2014-2019)

Weak State as a Security Threat: Study Case of El Salvador (2014-2019)

0058 The sleepy eyewitness: Self-reported sleep predicts eyewitness memory

Abstract Introduction Sleep is critical for memory, but research indicates that eyewitness identification may be an exception. We conducted three experiments to assess the effect of self-reported sleep duration and quality, and current sleepiness on eyewitness recall for a mock crime and suspect identification. Experiments 1 and 2 looked at pre-encoding sleep on lineups and showups, respectively. Experiment 3 investigated lineups across two days to assess retrieval effects. Methods Participants viewed a mock crime video then answered sleep questions as well as central and peripheral recall questions over the crime. Participants were then randomly assigned to view a fair 6-person target-present (TP) or target-absent (TA) lineup for experiments 1 and 3, or a TP or TA showup for experiment 2. In experiment 3, the recall questions and lineups occurred on day 2, but the sleep questions were asked both days. Decision confidence was provided after the identification procedure. Results Sleep quality predicted central recall for experiment 1 [F(1, 3834)=12.96, p<.001] whereas sleep quantity predicted central recall for experiment 2, F(1, 2712)=36.22, p< .001. Choosing rate for pre-encoding sleep was higher for low quality [X2(1)=29.10, p<.001] and low duration [X2(1)=20.15, p<.001], but false IDs were lower for high duration [X2(1)=29.76, p<.001] and high quality, X2(1)=35.47, p<.001. High quality self-reported sleep increased discriminability for lineups, G=2.14, p=.016. False IDs for showups were lower for high duration [X2(1)=5.27, p=.024] and all three sleep questions predicted discriminability for showups: more sleep (G=2.85, p=.002), better sleep (G=2.60, p=.005), and less sleepiness, G=2.44, p=.007. Showups had greater accuracy (p=.038) and a stronger confidence-accuracy relationship (p<.001) for the average of the “good sleep” conditions than the average of the three “bad sleep” conditions, p=.022. In experiment 3, involving post-encoding self-reported sleep, there were still effects on recall but minimal effects on eyewitness identification (and no effects on discriminability). Conclusion Self-reported sleep for the night prior to the crime could be an important individual difference variable for eyewitness memory, affecting encoding more than post-encoding processes. Support (if any) This project was supported by Grant 2018-R2-CX-0027 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and U.S. Department of Justice.

Discouraging the Demand That Fosters Sex Trafficking: Collaboration through Augmented Intelligence

Augmented intelligence—as the fusion of human and artificial intelligence—is effectively being employed in response to a spectrum of risks and crimes that stem from the online sexual exploitation marketplace. As part of a study that was sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation has documented 15 tactics that have been used in more than 2650 US cities and counties to deter sex buyers from engaging with prostitution and sex trafficking systems. One of these tactics, technology-based enforcement and deterrence methods, has been used in more than 78 locations in the United States. This paper explores the issue of technology-facilitated trafficking in the online sexual exploitation marketplace and juxtaposes this with the use of augmented intelligence in collaborative responses to these crimes. Illustrative case studies are presented that describe how two organizations employ technology that utilizes the complementary strengths of humans and machines to deter sex buyers at the point of purchase. The human(e) touch of these organizations, combined with artificial intelligence, natural language processing, constructed websites, photos, and mobile technology, show significant potential for operational scaling, and provide a template for consideration by law enforcement agencies, criminal justice systems, and the larger multidisciplinary counter-trafficking community for collaborative replication in other settings.

The impact of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training on police use of force

This study examined the level of force used by Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and non-CIT officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (N = 382). Level of force was coded using National Institute of Justice (2009) strategy, least to most lethal. Analyses examined differences in officers’ use of force by CIT-training status and citizen characteristics. Results indicated CIT-trained officers were less likely to use any level of force and more likely to use the lowest level of force, compared to non-CIT-trained officers. CIT-trained officers were significantly less likely to escalate to higher levels of force, utilizing the lowest level of force more often.

Potential of natural fiber composite materials for bulletproof vest applications

The bulletproof vest material that is often used is a composite material. Composites are a mixture of two or more material elements, with different mechanical properties, which aim to obtain new materials that have better mechanical properties than the constituent materials. One alternative mixture of materials in composite materials is to use natural fibers as a substitute for kevlar fibers. In Indonesia, which has a tropical climate, natural fibers are very easy to obtain from various kinds of plants found in Indonesia. Along with the many plants obtained, a lot of waste is also produced because of this. So research was conducted on the utilization of the potential of natural fibers for alternative composites. With the experimental method, from the results of the experiment, the results obtained from the five natural fibers that have been discussed, namely pineapple leaf fiber, water hyacinth fiber, bark fiber, hemp fiber, and bamboo fiber, only pineapple leaf fiber has not met the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard, while the other four natural fibers have met the NIJ standard for bulletproof vests.