Innovations Awards

Winner - New Jersey - 2005 - DNA Convicted Offender Sampling and Testing Program

A statewide unified approach to classification and upfront verification of information, this program ensures that offenders and their DNA samples are properly identified and entered into the state’s criminal records database through the utilization of handheld biometric computers.

Finalist - Illinois - 2005 - InfoNet

A state-of-the-art data collection system for victim service providers developed by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, this system facilitates uniform data collection and promotes program planning and accountability.

Finalist - New Jersey - 2005 - Focus on the Victim (FOV) Program

A voluntary offender program, FOV employs restorative and reparative justice principles as its main focus and provides offenders the opportunity to examine the impact of their crimes on victims and communities. Through unique role-playing techniques and face-to-face interaction with survivors of victimization, this program has empowered victims by allowing them to help offenders modify negative behaviors, ultimately preventing destructive future behavior.

Finalist - New Jersey - 2005 - FastID

This system, implemented by the New Jersey Department of Corrections, provides a one-to-one comparison/verification between an individual’s live fingerprint and offender information stored within New Jersey’s database. This accurate and secure identification method allows the NJDOC to increase efficiency and accuracy in intake and release processes at correctional facilities.

Finalist - District of Columbia - 2004 - Wireless Networks Program

This program provides wireless tools for combating domestic accidents, emergencies, crime and international terrorism to first responders in the nation’s capital.

Finalist - Kansas - 2004 - Operation PADLOC (Parole, Absconder, Detection, Location and Capture)

This initiative enables law enforcement officers to quickly locate and apprehend parole absconders who pose a significant threat to public safety based on past criminal history of sex offenses, crimes of violence or crimes against children.

Finalist - Louisiana - 2004 - CORe—Corrections Organized for Re-entry

This program helps prisoners transition from prison into society by encouraging offenders to use their time in custody to learn marketable skills, develop new behaviors, address character deficiencies and begin planning for a positive future.

Finalist - Nevada - 2004 - OSHA/SCATS Emergency Response Teams

Comprised of 12 members on two teams who have special, high-level hazardous materials training and equipment, these teams respond to Level A biological, structural, chemical or radiological emergencies. The teams provide safety and health analysis at the site of an incident, environmental monitoring, wet and dry decontamination, plus an array of other expertise in the safety and health field.

Finalist - New York - 2004 - eJusticeNY

This program is a browser-based portal that acts as a single point of access to criminal justice information for law enforcement officials in the state.

Finalist - North Carolina - 2004 - TAG IT

Under this program, police officers who investigate accidents attach waterproof tags to the parts of any median barrier or guide-rail that are damaged because of the accidents. The tags help the state Department of Transportation locate and bill the parties involved in the accidents for repairing those structures.

Finalist - Pennsylvania - 2004 - Terrorism Awareness and Prevention

This initiative uses specially trained law enforcement officers to educate citizens about the realities and myths of terrorism. The program strives to help citizens understand the threat of terrorism to our society, explains their part in protecting their community, and offers commonsense measures citizens can take to enhance their own security.

Finalist - Virginia - 2004 - Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine

This institute is a premier trainer of forensic scientists and pathologists. VIFSM is a cooperative effort among the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Finalist - Washington - 2004 - Professional-Based Discipline: A Settlement Agreement Process

This method for disciplining professional and sworn employees of the Washington State Patrol without resorting to a lengthy, formal investigation is designed to enable an employee to admit a mistake, discern and accept an appropriate sanction, provide rapid resolution of their case and handle minor acts of misconduct at the lowest possible administrative level.

Finalist - California - 2003 - Mental Health Services Continuum Program

This program provides the state’s Department of Corrections with a customized, real-time, automated database to help identify and treat mentally ill parolees. The purpose of the program is to enhance the quality and timeliness of mental health services provided to mentally ill parolees after release, with the overarching goal of reducing recidivism and improving public safety.

Finalist - Florida - 2003 - Civil Workflow Control System

Devised to provide advanced technology to non-criminal justice agencies, this system allows users to electronically “scan” fingerprints and enter information to request criminal history record checks.

Finalist - New Jersey - 2003 - Law Enforcement Intervention Hotline

This statewide initiative aimed at helping law enforcement officers and their families achieve a better quality of life allows law enforcement families to vent anxiety, relieve stress and discuss personal and marital problems via a 24-hour hotline.

Finalist - New York - 2003 - Office of Public Security Counter Terrorism Network

This program provides law enforcement personnel throughout the state with timely information on terrorism and potential terrorist threats to enhance knowledge and capabilities in the war against terrorism.

Finalist - New York - 2003 - Law Enforcement Counter-Terrorism Training and Local Empowerment Program

A cost-effective initiative, this program enhances the ability of local police agencies to prevent acts of terrorism and to respond safely when acts of terrorism do occur.