NIJ is the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. We are dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science.
This grant aims to fund research and evaluation projects focused on the efficacy of 911 and alternative three-digit service numbers (e.g., 311, 211, 988) in assessing and responding to public service and safety needs. The goals include exploring new methods and technologies to support effective and equitable responses, examining the training and procedures of call takers and dispatchers for unbiased service delivery, and assessing public awareness and usage of alternative service numbers. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate non-sworn first responders and alternative traffic enforcement models to improve public safety response and efficiency.