Justice Department Holds Conference On Criminal Justice Research

Attorney General Eric Holder addresses Crime and Research Conference in Virginia

WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorney General Eric Holder addressed criminal and juvenile justice practitioners, policymakers and the general public Monday at the Department of Justice's annual National Institute of Justice conference, Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Va.

The conference, which took place Monday through Wednesday, is a national forum on research and programs affecting criminal justice policy and practice. Experts and notable speakers discussed the latest research, technology, and program evaluations related to crime control, public safety, and violence.

"Research and technology are vitally important to the Department of Justice's mission, and help construct a foundation on which we can build strong, credible policies," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "At this conference we saw distinguished criminal justice scholars, policymakers, and practitioners gather to review research that shows what works, what doesn't work, and what areas are in need of further study in various areas of criminal justice."

Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs, Laurie O. Robinson delivered opening remarks Monday. Following the remarks, she moderated a panel on homicide in the United States, featuring experts in urban issues. The experts discussed promising approaches that have resulted in community empowerment and reduced violence.

Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy was Wednesday's keynote speaker. As the Nation's "Drug Czar," Mr. Kerlikowske coordinates all aspects of the President's National Drug Control Strategy. Clea Koff, forensic anthropologist and author of The Bone Woman: A Forensic Anthropologist's Search for Truth in the Graves of Rwanda, Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo, was Monday's lunchtime keynote speaker. A full listing of speakers and panels at the conference is available at www.ojp.gov/nij. The annual event was free and open to the public.

The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has five component bureaus: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Office for Victims of Crime. Additionally, OJP has two program offices: the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information can be found at http://www.ojp.gov.

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