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                            About the National Institute of Justice
 NIJ Directors, 1969–Present November 24, 2015
NIJ was created in 1969 and has been in the forefront of nearly every innovation in criminal justice research and policy ever since. The following Director's have led the Institute in that work. Select a director to view a list of their speeches, remarks, and testimony.

Nancy La Vigne, May 2022-present
	Jennifer Scherer, Acting 2021-May 2022
	David B. Muhlhausen, 2017-2021
	Howard R. Spivak, Acting 2017
	Nancy Rodriguez, 2015-2017
	William J. Sabol , Acting 2014-2015
	Greg Ridgeway, Acting 2013-2014
	John H. Laub, 2010–2013
	Kristina Rose, Acting 2009–2010
	David W. Hagy, 2006–2009
	Glenn R. Schmitt, Acting 2005–2006
	Sarah V. Hart, 2001–2005
	Julie Samuels, Acting 2000–2001
	Jeremy Travis, 1995–2000
	Carol V. Petrie, Acting 1994
	Michael J. Russell, Acting 1993–1994
	Charles B. DeWitt, 1990–1993
	James K. Stewart, 1982–1990
	W. Robert Burkhart, 1982
	James Underwood, 1981–1982
	Harry Bratt, 1979–1981
	Blair Ewing, 1977–1979
	Gerald Caplan, 1973–1977
	Martin Danziger, 1971–1973
	Irving Slott, acting 1970–1971
	Henry Ruth, 1969–1970
	Robert L. Emrich, Acting 1968-69
	Ralph Siu, acting 1968–1969Nancy La Vigne, Director, 2022-

The Importance of Inclusive Research How Engaging People Closest to the Issue Makes for Better Science and Greater Impact
	August 21, 2023, article recapping an NIJ 2023 Research Conference plenary session
	Meet the OJP Science Directors: Nancy La Vigne and Alex Piquero Discuss the Future of Research and Statistics
	May 24, 2023, NIJ Research Conference plenary session
	NIJ 2023 Research Conference Opening Ceremony
	May 23, 2023, Director La Vigne and DOJ leadership welcome attendees to the NIJ 2023 Research Conference
	The United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes Interviews NIJ Director La Vigne,
	May 15, 2023, artice in PNI Newsletter 3rd Issue
	Inclusive Research: Engaging with the People Closest to the Issue,
	March 7, 2023, video interview
	Director La Vigne Discusses Forensic Research and Development at NIJ
	February 15, 2023, interview with AAFS TV
	"Selling the Science: Our Collective Visions for the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics"
	January 9, 2023, with Alex R. Piquero, Director, Bureau of Justice Statistics, published in the Criminologist, the newsletter of the American Society of Criminology
	"Reliable data and research on crime is needed now more than ever"
	January 5, 2023, with Alex R. Piquero, Director, Bureau of Justice Statistics, published in *The Hill*
	"From the Director: Harnessing the Power of Data-Driven, Inclusive Research"
	December 7, 2022, originally published in *Police Chief*
	NIJ Director La Vigne Outlines NIJ’s Priorities at the American Society of Criminology’s 2022 Annual Meeting
	November 17, 2022
	"Getting the Most Out of Research Partnerships"
	November 15, 2022, original published in *Corrections Today*.
	Podcast: A New Vision for NIJ with Director Nancy La Vigne
	September 12, 2022
	In Acceptance of the SEARCH 2022 Justice Policy Leadership Award
	July 19, 2022
	Director Nancy La Vigne’s Vision
	June 7, 2022
	Addresses the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing
	May 24, 2022David B. Muhlhausen, Director, 2017-2021

Replication Studies are Vital to Science We Can Count On
	December 21, 2020
	The National Institute of Justice Strategic Research Plans
	July 30, 2020
	Perspectives on Research and Evidence-Based Policing
	July 20, 2020
	Realignment of Forensic Capacity Enhancement Programs within the Office of Justice Programs
	April 17, 2020
	Reflecting on my Time as Director So Far ... And Envisioning the Future
	January 2, 2020
	Rare Incidents Data Collection Methods to Advance Research on Mass Violence
	September 25, 2019
	NIJ Helps Lay the Groundwork for Implementation of the First Step Act
	April 9, 2019
	Remarks on Reentry at the 2018 National Project Safe Neighborhoods Conference
	December 8, 2018
	Research Summit on Women in Policing
	December 3, 2018
	Corrections Strategic Research Plan
	October 25, 2018
	Juvenile Justice Research Comes to NIJ
	October 24, 2018
	Elevating Practitioners — From Advisers to Participants to Drivers
	October 12, 2018
	Fighting the Opioid Crisis: Convening Police Leaders and Researchers to Learn Promising Practices and to Inform Research Agenda
	September 25, 2018
	Bringing the Field to NIJ — Introducing the Practitioner-in-Residence Program
	September 18, 2018
	Pushing the Edge on Evidence-Based Policing - Reflections on Research for the Real World
	August 20, 2018
	Advancing Evidence-Based Policing
	June 28, 2018
	Research on Returning Offender Programs and Promising Practices
	June 13, 2018
	Responding to Sexual Assault
	April 16, 2018
	A Message to Law Enforcement Professionals During Police Week 2018
	May 14, 2018
	Learning From Leading Voices in Our New "Notes From the Field" Series
	January 31, 2018
	Proactive Policing — What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Yet
	January 17, 2018
	Improved Officer Safety in 2017 — and Beyond
	January 10, 2018
	Remarks at the Korean Institute of Criminology Forum
	December 7, 2017
	The Las Vegas Body-Worn Camera Experiment, prepared remarks delivered at a press event, hosted by CNA.
	November 27, 2017.
	Research at the National Institute of Justice, prepared remarks welcoming attendees to NIJ Day at ASC 2017.
	November 15, 2017.
	Director’s Corner: Data at Your Fingertips — the National Law Enforcement Applied Research and Data Platform, Director's Corner.
	November 13, 2017.
	Innovative Approaches to Addressing Violent Crime, Prepared remarks delivered at a CNA Executive Session, October 12, 2017.
	CrimeSolutions Has Rated 500 Programs and Counting, Director's Corner.
	September 27, 2017Howard R. Spivak, Acting Director, January-August 2017

Supporting Crime Lab Directors and the Formation of the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group *(given as NIJ Principal Deputy Director)*
	May 29, 2018
	Researcher Practitioner Partnerships*(given as NIJ Principal Deputy Director)*
	March 5, 2018
	Policing Strategic Research 2017-2022
	July 31, 2017
	Equipment Guidance From NIJ and Our Expanding Standards Program
	July 12, 2017
	Valuing and Communicating Science That Advances Justice
	May 30, 2017
	Supporting Forensic Science Is a Priority at the National Institute of Justice
	April 3, 2017Nancy Rodriguez, Director, February 2015-January 2017

Farewell from Nancy Rodriguez
	January 13, 2017
	Restrictive Housing in the U.S.
	November 14, 2016
	Bridging the Sciences to Support Cutting-Edge Research — NIJ’s Partnership With the National Science Foundation
	October 26, 2016
	Identifying Alternatives to Exclusionary School Disciplinary Practices
	October 18, 2016
	Advancing the Police Profession Through Science
	October 11, 2016
	Congressional Briefing: Violence and Violence Prevention
	September 27, 2016
	Addressing Sexual Assault Response — Moving Forward and Finding Solutions
	September 1, 2016
	Safety, Health and Wellness Strategic Plan
	August 19, 2016
	Developing a Comprehensive Response to Human Trafficking
	July 28, 2016
	Driving Innovation in Crime Forecasting
	July 26, 2016
	Shining Light on Wrongful Convictions
	July 7, 2016
	Read notes from Exonerees and Original Victims of Wrongful Conviction: Listening Sessions to Inform Programs and Research (pdf, 28 pages).
	Explaining the Recent Rise in Violent Crime
	June 15, 2016
	Decades of Research Provide Guidance on Police Wellness
	May 16, 2016
	New National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations of Prepubescent Children
	May 6, 2016
	Violence Against American Indians and Alaska Natives
	May 5, 2016
	Strengthening Justice in the U.S.: The Impact of Scientific Research
	April 22, 2016
	Dr. Rodriguez gave the 27th Annual Walter C. Reckless-Simon Dinitz Memorial Lecture at Ohio State University Read the Director's lecture as printed in the *Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law* (pdf, 13 pages)
	Making Progress on Understanding and Investigating Sexual Assault
	April 14, 2016
	Countering Violent Extremism with Research
	March 7, 2016
	Tips for Making Your Proposal Competitive
	February 19, 2016
	Developing the Future of Law Enforcement Leadership
	November 12, 2015
	Setting the Agenda for Administrative Segregation Research
	October 22, 2015
	Building Knowledge to Make Schools Safer
	October 21, 2015
	New Research Projects Funded in Fiscal Year 2015
	October 13, 2015
	Statement on *Support for Forensic Science Research: Improving the Scientific Role of NIJ*
	October 1, 2015
	Building Our Next Generation of Researchers
	September 21, 2015
	Body-Worn Cameras: Investigating and Evaluating Their Use by Police
	August 30, 2015
	Strengthening Forensic Science at Its Foundations to Improve Public Safety
	August 10, 2015 .
	Making Change Happen in Policing
	July 27, 2015
	Envisioning the FutureGreg Ridgeway, Acting NIJ Director, June 2013-July 2014

Statement on NIJ's Role in the National Dialogue on Gun Violence*February 14, 2013*John H. Laub, NIJ Director, June 2010-January 2013

Farewell Message from Director Laub
	December 21, 2012
	Combining Intellectual Muscle: NIJ and the National Science Foundation Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
	September 24, 2012
	A Post-NIJ Conference Recap...and Moving Forward
	August 3, 2012
	Open Remarks to the Keynote Address of the 2012 NIJ Conference, Arlington, Va.
	June 19, 2012Watch the video
	Australians and NIJ to Collaborate on Forensics
	March 30, 2012
	Presidential Plenary Address — Strengthening Science to Promote Justice and Public Safety
	Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., March 15, 2012
	Dr. Laub Discusses Translational Criminology
	March 9, 2012 Watch "Translational Criminology"
	NIJ and the Dutch Agree to Work Together to Improve the Use of Forensic Sciences
	December 1, 2011
	The Challenges of Deficit-Driven Budgets
	November 16, 2011
	Stockholm Prize: Conversation with John Laub and Rob Sampson
	October 11, 2011Watch an Interview with Drs. Laub and Sampson
	Reorganization of NIJ
	October 3, 2011
	Feedback from the Field: How Your Colleagues Are Using NIJ's Work
	August 30, 2011
	My Post-NIJ Conference Guest Appearance on the Diane Rehm Show
	July 12, 2011
	NIJ's Response to the NRC Report *Strengthening the National Institute of Justice*
	June 20, 2011
	Partnerships: Coming Together to Study Crime & Solutions — A Message from the Director
	June 6, 2011Watch the "Partnerships: Coming Together to Study Crime & Solutions"
	Embracing a Culture of Science — A Message from the Director
	March 23, 2011Watch "Embracing a Culture of Science"
	Translational Criminology
	Office of Justice Programs, Washington, D.C.
	March 1, 2011
	Second Progress Report: NIJ's Response to Strengthening the National Institute of Justice
	January 21, 2011
	A Tribute to Herman Goldstein, George Kelling and James Q. Wilson: Contributions to the Field of Criminal Justice
	Harvard Executive Sessions, Boston, Mass., January 13, 2011
	My Vision for NIJ
	November 9, 2010
	Initial Progress Report: NIJ's Response to Strengthening the National Institute of Justice
	November 7, 2010Kristina Rose, Acting Director 2009–2010

H.R. 3695, The Help Find the Missing Act or Billy's Law (pdf, 4 pages)
	Statement Before the United States House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
	January 21, 2010David W. Hagy, Director 2006–2009

Reauthorization and Improvement of the DNA Initiatives of the Justice for All Act of 2004
	Statement before the United States House of Representative Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
	NIJ Director David W. Hagy
	April 10, 2008Sarah V. Hart, Director 2001–2005

DOJ Oversight: Funding Forensic Sciences (pdf, 24 pages)
	Statement before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts
	Director Sarah V. Hart
	July 31, 2003
	Regarding the President’s DNA Initiatives
	Statement before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
	July 17, 2003
	Regarding DNA Initiatives
	Statement before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs
	May 14, 2002
	Regarding Less-Than-Lethal Weapons
	Statement before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
	May 2, 2002Jeremy Travis, Director 1995–2000

Thanks and Dreams, Farewell Speech by Jeremy Travis,
	Washington, DC
	April 12, 2000
	Thinking Strategically about Developments in Law Enforcement Technology
	Citizens Crime Commission
	New York, NY
	January 25, 2000
	Addressing Drug Abuse in the Justice Context: The Promise and the Challenge
	National Assembly on Drugs, Alcohol Abuse, and the Criminal Offender
	Washington, DC
	December 7, 1999
	Stalking: Lessons from Recent Research
	National Center for Women and Policing Conference
	Orlando, FL
	April 14, 1999
	Plenary Presentation to the American Society of Criminology
	Washington, D.C.
	November 12, 1998
	Research Informing Policy: What If We Took This Idea Seriously?
	Address, National Corrections Conference: Enhancing Public Safety by Reducing Substance Abuse
	Los Angeles, California
	October 20, 1998
	Creating Safe Schools: Opening the Schoolhouse Doors to Research and Partnerships
	Keynote Address Conference of the Security Management Institute of John Jay College
	New York, New York
	August 18, 1998
	Policing in Transition
	Plenary Address at the Fourth Biennial Conference: International Perspectives on Crime, Justice and Public Order
	Budapest, Hungary
	June 21, 1998
	Justice Research as a Platform for the Diffusion of Innovation
	Conference of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors
	Salt Lake City, Utah
	June 3, 1998
	Welcoming Remarks
	Third Annual National Conference on the Future of DNA
	Chicago, Illinois
	May 21, 1998
	Declining Crime and Our National Research Agenda: A New Yorker's View
	Inaugural Lecture, The Jack and Lewis Rudin Distinguished Visiting Scholar Program, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
	New York, New York
	March 9, 1998
	Declining Crime and Our National Research Agenda
	School of Public Policy and Social Research, University of California, Los Angeles
	Los Angeles, California
	March 2, 1998
	Thinking About Prevention: Are We Asking the Right Questions? Mattik Lecture
	Hans W. Mattick Lecture, University of Illinois at Chicago
	Chicago, Illinois
	February 12, 1998
	Crime Prevention in Community and Cultural Context
	First Multi-Institutional Conference on Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Services: Disabilities in Latino, African-American, and Native American Individuals
	San Juan, Puerto Rico
	January 30, 1998
	National and Comparative Perspectives on Juvenile Violence
	Meeting of the International Scientific and Professional Advisory Council of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme
	Courmayeur, Italy
	October 4, 1997
	The Mentally Ill Offender: Viewing Crime and Justice Through a Different Lens
	National Association of State Forensic Mental Health Directors
	Annapolis, Maryland
	September 3, 1997
	Framing the National Agenda: a Research and Policy Perspective
	National Corrections Conference on Substance Abuse Testing, Sanctions and Treatment
	New Orleans, Louisiana
	April 23, 1997
	Crime Statistics — Good News or Bad News?
	Speech to the New York University Alumni Association
	Washington, DC
	April 10, 1997
	Technology in Criminal Justice: Creating the Tools for Transformation
	Address to the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
	March 13, 1997
	New Approaches to Juvenile Violence
	Speech to the Citizens Crime Commission of New York City
	New York, New York
	February 10, 1997
	Lessons for the Criminal Justice System from Twenty Years of Policing Reform
	Keynote Address, "New Beginnings" — the First Annual Conference of the New York Campaign for Effective Crime Policy
	New York, New York
	March 10, 1996
	Criminal Justice Research and Public Policy in the United States
	Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders
	Cairo, Egypt
	May 2, 1995
	Education in Law Enforcement: Beyond the College Degree
	Forum on the Police and Higher Education, Center for Research in Law and Justice, University of Illinois
	Chicago, Illinois
	February 10, 1995
  
Date Published: November 24, 2015
    
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              NIJ Director Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.
    
      
            
            
            
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