The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) seeks proposals for funding for research and evaluation projects to help identify the trait factors and state factors of individual law enforcement officers that may reliably explain their decision-making during encounters with the public. NIJ is interested in identifying those factors tending to lead to successful encounter outcomes; as well as those tending to lead to unsuccessful outcomes. NIJ is also interested in understanding how these factors may lead to different outcomes based on the type of encounter, including understanding how the importance of individual differences in trait and state factors may vary based on the frequency, risk, and reason for an encounter with the public.
NIJ is most interested in proposals for research and evaluation projects that address a wide range of potential encounter scenarios. Potential scenarios include: low-frequency, high-risk encounters, such as responding to an active shooter event or making an arrest; high-frequency, low-risk consensual encounters, such as responding to a request for information; and encounters pursuant to an investigation, which may or may not be consensual.
The ultimate goal of this solicitation is to fund research and evaluation projects that produce findings with practical implications for supporting development of a workforce of sworn law enforcement officers who make the best possible decisions during encounters with the public. The knowledge derived from the work funded under this solicitation will inform law enforcement agencies in:
- Hiring — Recruitment and candidate selection.
- Training — Academy, field training, and continuing in-service training.
- Supervision — Managing staff duties and individual performance.
NIJ is particularly interested in encounters where a great deal of improvisation is required and officers may not have been specifically trained in their resolution. What combination of trait factors, state factors, and officer decisions lead to successful outcomes in these cases?
In cases where decisions lead to actions that create negative or counterproductive outcomes, the public's trust in their local law enforcement agency can be eroded, especially where minor events can have a cumulative effect. What combination of factors leads to consistent bad outcomes from encounters and how can this be avoided?
None is available.
Proposals primarily intended to purchase equipment, materials, or supplies will not be funded. A budget may include these items if they are necessary to conduct research, development, demonstration, evaluation, or analysis.