Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence

On September 20, 2007, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) announced the establishment of the Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence as part of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) system. Each new center will provide—with respect to a specific technology area—testing, evaluation, specialized technology assistance programs, and other services with regard to tools and technologies intended for use by law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies. This program furthers the Department's mission by improving the safety and effectiveness of criminal justice technology and the access of law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies to that technology.

The Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence will support the NIJ Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation activities within the improvised explosive device defeat, less-lethal devices, personal protective equipment, corrections, school safety and pursuit management investment portfolios, and related areas by:

• Identifying technology requirements
• Supporting NIJ's research and development programs
• Testing, evaluating, and demonstrating technologies
• Supporting the adoption of new technology
• Developing technology guidelines
• Providing specialized technology assistance and support to criminal justice agencies on a national basis

The Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence will also host and support the Personal Protective Equipment, Less Lethal, Community and Institutional Corrections, School Safety and Pursuit Management Technology Working Groups. In addition, the center will provide technical and administrative support to the National Bomb Squad Commander's Advisory Board, establish and manage a bomb remediation technology test and evaluation program, and establish and manage a community corrections technology demonstration and evaluation program.

Project Manager: Debra Stoe
E-mail: Debra.Stoe@usdoj.gov

Last updated: September 20, 2007