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National Criminal History Improvement Program

Description

Through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), BJS provides direct awards and technical assistance to states and localities to improve the quality, timeliness, and immediate accessibility of criminal history records and related information. Complete records require that data from all components of the criminal justice system be integrated and linked, including law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and corrections. NCHIP assists states to establish an integrated infrastructure that meets the needs of all components.

BJS initiated the NCHIP program in 1995 and makes awards annually on a competitive basis to states, territories, and federally recognized tribes. BJS issues a program announcement annually, describing program goals, priorities, application procedures, and allowable costs. BJS makes awards to the agency designated by the state governor to administer the NCHIP award. BJS bases award amounts on need rather than population or formula-based methodology.

Total expenditures since the inception in 1995 through 2021 were approximately $893 million. All states and eligible territories have received funds under the program. NCHIP was reauthorized under Title VI of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-141).

For information about current and past NCHIP funding announcements, see Funding & Awards

 

Date Created: March 3, 2021