As part of its strategic planning, NIJ has identified high-priority research, development, and evaluation needs of the field. NIJ believes that by making substantial progress in these areas over the next 3–5 years, the Institute will contribute significantly to enhancing the administration of justice and improving public safety in our Nation. The priorities inform decisions about the scope of future work and the dissemination of NIJ-sponsored knowledge and technologies in each of the major subject matter portfolios shown below. At the same time, NIJ maintains the flexibility to respond to emerging needs and to consider the merits of individual projects that may contribute to other worthwhile goals.