NIJ_1st mailing

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To Police Chiefs and Sheriff’s:

The U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is conducting the 2008 Survey of Law Enforcement Forensic Evidence Processing, which will provide much-needed information on the number of unsolved criminal cases containing forensic evidence that have not been submitted to crime laboratories. This project has been endorsed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

As you know, forensic evidence has become an increasingly important tool for investigating and solving crimes, as well as for exonerating the innocent. Yet the increased emphasis on forensic evidence has also created an added need for law enforcement agencies to review unsolved cases for evidence that could be used to develop new investigative leads.

This NIJ survey will collect information on the number of unsolved homicide, rape, and property crime cases maintained by agencies, the percentage of cases with forensic evidence available for testing, and procedures used for reviewing unsolved crimes to develop new investigative leads. A better understanding of these issues can support plans for improving the efficiency and functionality of the evidence collection, submission, and analysis process. This could include new resources dedicated to reopening and analyzing forensic evidence in unsolved cases.

NIJ has contracted with RTI International to administer the survey. Although this survey is voluntary, we urgently need and appreciate your cooperation to make the results comprehensive, accurate, and timely.

There are three ways to complete the survey:

1. Internet: The survey can be completed online at http://lefb.rti.org. Your logon ID is <WebAccessCode>. The website's “save” feature allows you to complete the questionnaire in multiple sessions.

2. Fax: You can fax the completed survey to 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

3. Mail: You can return the completed survey by mail in the enclosed envelope.

If you have questions, please call RTI at 1-800-XXX-XXXX or e-mail RTI at LEFP@rti.org. Thank you again for your help with this important study.

Sincerely,