The evaluation included a systematic examination of the Institute's projects, products, and processes. Established under the 1968 Safe Streets Act and placed within the LEAA structure, the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice was authorized to award grants and contracts to public agencies, research centers, and institutions of higher learning for the support of research, demonstrations, and behavioral studies pursuant to the development of new or improved systems, techniques, approaches, and equipment for the purpose of the improvement and strengthening of law enforcement. This report first describes historical factors that have influenced the Institute's development and the LEAA structure within which it operates. It then reports on the evaluation of the Federal role in crime research and the program developed and funded by the Institute. The third section of the report details conclusions and recommendations. Based on a systematic examination of the Institute's projects, products, and processes, the evaluation concludes that the Institute has not been the catalyst or sponsor of a first- rate and significant research program commensurate with either its task or resources. Although the Institute has had some successes with individual projects and has begun to develop some basic and vital data and a research community, structural and political constraints have often deflected the Institute from its mission of developing valid knowledge about crime problems. The evaluation recommends both structural and conceptual reordering of the Institute and its research agenda. 10 tables, 6 figures, and appended supplementary data