Application Requirements

Requirements for applying to access and use NACJD restricted datasets.

NIJ and OJJDP Data

For NIJ- and OJJDP-sponsored studies that we provide via secure download, you should submit your electronic applications using ICPSR’s Data Access Request System (IDARS). Studies that are restricted to our Virtual Data Enclave (VDE) use a separate application system named VDE Manage. Access to data available in our Physical Data Enclave (PDE) is coordinated directly with NACJD staff via email. Expand the text below for more information about the requirements for each application type.

  • Investigator Information: Provide the project PI’s name and contact information. The PI must hold a PhD or other terminal degree and hold a faculty position at a university or a research position at a research institution.
  • Research Staff Information: Provide name(s), email address(es), physical location(s), and computer detail(s) for all students, staff, or researchers who will have access to restricted data as part of the research project. All research staff must be affiliated with the same institution as the project PI. Please see our FAQs for information about collaborating with researchers from multiple institutions.
  • Research Description: Provide an abstract describing your research questions and specific variables of interest, as well as justification for why the requested data are required to answer your research questions.
  • Data Selection: Select the studies you need for analysis.
  • Data Format: Rank your preferred data formats. Most data are available in Stata, tab-delimited files, SAS, SPSS, or R.
  • Confidential Data Security Plan: ICPSR offers three options for secure data storage: an encrypted external hard drive, a standalone computer, or a private network/server managed by your institution. Select an appropriate plan, then read/agree to the plan’s security requirements. If you have questions about the security requirements outlined within the application portal, please contact us at icpsr-help@umich.edu.
  • IRB Review Documentation: The IRB of your institution must review your proposal to analyze NACJD restricted data. This is not necessarily the same as a full IRB review. Exempt or “not human subjects” determinations may be accepted as long as such a determination was issued in accordance with DOJ regulations 28 CFR Part 46. Provide an official letter from your IRB’s office indicating that a responsible officer has reviewed the request and found the project’s terms of use for the requested data to be in compliance with, or exempt from, its human subject and confidentiality rules per DOJ regulations. If your institution does not have an IRB, please see our FAQs for more information.
  • Additional Forms: Applicants must complete, sign, and upload an NIJ Privacy Certificate. A blank copy of the privacy certificate is provided in the application and includes an appendix with detailed guidelines for completing all sections of the privacy certificate. Studies sponsored by BJS are excluded from this requirement.
  • Final Signatures: A Restricted Data Use Agreement (RDUA) must be signed by the PI listed in the application and by an authorized institutional representative. The institutional representative must have the authority to enter into legal contracts and agreements on the institution’s behalf. Typically, this is a President, Provost, or designated individual in a grants office.
  • Pledge of Confidentiality: The PI and any research staff listed on the application will receive an email prompting them to electronically sign ICPSR’s confidentiality pledge once NACJD has reviewed and approved the application. Once all pledges have been signed, the request will be approved, and the data will be sent shortly thereafter.

  • Principal Investigator Information: Provide the name and contact information of the project PI. The PI must hold a PhD or other terminal degree and hold a faculty position at a university or a research position at a research institution.
  • Project Administrator Information: Provide the name and contact information of the person who will be responsible for all administrative aspects of the project. This may be the project PI or another member of the research team.
  • Abstract: Please provide an abstract describing your research questions and variables of interest, as well as justification for why the requested restricted data are required to answer your research questions.
  • Data Selection: Select all studies you need for analysis.
  • Additional Documentation that must be submitted to NACJD staff via email after the project has been initiated in VDEManage.
    • IRB Documentation: The IRB of your institution must review your proposal to analyze NACJD restricted data. This is not necessarily the same as a full IRB review, and exempt or “not human subjects” determinations may be accepted as long as such determinations were issued in accordance with DOJ regulations at 28 CFR Part 46. Please provide an official letter from your IRB’s office indicating that a responsible officer has reviewed the request and found the project’s terms of use for the requested data to be in compliance with, or exempt from, its human subject and confidentiality rules under DOJ regulations. If your institution does not have an IRB, see our FAQs for more information.
    • CVs: Please provide a resume or CV for each researcher who will be accessing data in the VDE.
    • Restricted Data Use Agreement (RDUA): Provide a fully executed RDUA. The RDUA must be signed by the PI listed in the application and by an authorized institutional representative. The institutional representative must have the authority to enter into formal contracts and agreements on the institution’s behalf. Typically, this is a President, Provost, or designated individual in a contracts office.
    • Additional RDUAs (if applicable): If researchers from multiple institutions are included in the application, provide an RDUA for each institution that is represented.

  • PDE application requirement information can be found on the ICPSR enclave webpage.
  • Please contact icpsr-help@umich.edu for more information or to initiate an application for PDE access.

BJS Data

All applications for BJS-sponsored restricted data, regardless of the access mechanism used, must be submitted via the ResearchDataGov (RDG) Standard Application Process. More information about the application process and specific requirements can be found by visiting the ResearchDataGov website. Please contact icpsr-help@umich.edu for more information about applying to access BJS-sponsored restricted data via RDG.

  • Research Team: Provide information about each team member involved in the project, including names, contact information, CVs, and each individual’s role on the project.
  • Data Selection: Ensure that all studies required for the project are included in the application.
  • Research Description: Complete every required field to provide project details, including, but not limited to, your research question, project timeline, an abstract, your methodology, proposed data linkages, work locations, requested outputs, and expected products. Please refer to the RDG User Guide (pdf) for more information.
  • Documents: RDG applicants are required to complete and upload a BJS Privacy Certificate, IRB documentation citing DOJ regulations 28 CFR Part 46, a NACJD Restricted Data Use Agreement, an ICPSR Data Security Plan, and ICPSR Confidentiality Pledges for each research member. An institutional signature is required on the BJS Privacy Certificate and the NACJD Restricted Data Use Agreement.