Sensors, Surveillance, and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence

On September 20, 2007, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) announced the establishment of the Sensors, Surveillance, and Biometric 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 Sensors, Surveillance, and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence will support the NIJ Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation activities within the sensors and surveillance, and biometrics 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 Sensors, Surveillance, and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence will also host and support the Sensors and Surveillance and the Biometrics Technology Working Groups and the Aviation Technology Focus Group. In addition, the center will establish and manage law enforcement and corrections biometrics and sensor and surveillance technology pilots involving practitioner agencies, establish and manage a concealed weapons detection and through-the-wall surveillance technology test and evaluation program, and establish and manage a law enforcement aviation pilot, with a particular focus on the needs of small and rural agencies.

Project Manager: William Ford
E-mail: William.Ford@usdoj.gov

Last updated: September 20, 2007