Bureau of Justice Assistance

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, supports law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, victim services, technology, and prevention initiatives that strengthen the nation’s criminal justice system. BJA provides leadership, services, and funding to America’s communities by:


 * Emphasizing local control.
 * Building relationships in the field.
 * Provide training and technical assistance in support of efforts to prevent crime, drug abuse, and violence at the national, state, and local levels.
 * Developing collaborations and partnerships.
 * Promoting capacity building through planning.
 * Streamlining the administration of grants.
 * Increasing training and technical assistance.
 * Creating accountability of projects.
 * Encouraging innovation.
 * Communicating the value of justice efforts to decision makers at every level.

BJA has three primary components: Policy, Programs, and Planning. The Policy Office provides national leadership in criminal justice policy, training, and technical assistance to further the administration of justice. It also acts as a liaison to national organizations that partner with BJA to set policy and help disseminate information on best and promising practices. The Programs Office coordinates and administers all state and local grant programs and acts as BJA's direct line of communication to states, territories, and tribal governments by providing assistance and coordinating resources. The Planning Office coordinates the planning, communications, and budget formulation and execution; provides overall BJA-wide coordination; and supports streamlining efforts.