JusticeLink is a data infrastructure for the WODC and NFI designed to enable federated data analysis. With JusticeLink, it becomes possible to securely and efficiently share and analyze sensitive data. This allows for answering questions and predicting trends, such as the impact of policy measures on the criminal justice system, the development of burglary rates, and crime hotspots.

The primary goal of JusticeLink is to make a significant contribution to the fight against crime and the strengthening of the rule of law by developing and implementing an advanced research environment for applied scientific research related to data analysis issues for the WODC and NFI. This environment must meet requirements in areas such as data protection and security. The ambition is to make this solution broadly applicable across the Ministry of Justice and Security (JenV) domain. The development of JusticeLink began on July 1, 2024.

The following appreciation is included in the attachment to the letter dated April 10, 2024, to the Chair of the House of Representatives (First Funding Round for Applied Research Facilities, FTO): "JusticeLink aims to establish a new data structure for WODC and NFI with a focus on privacy and security. If successful, this project will lead to improved management and analysis of data, thereby enhancing the quality and speed of research by WODC and NFI. Special attention is given to the potential for training a new generation of experts with the new structure. The project will also strengthen international connections, thereby improving the competitive position of Dutch research in the justice and security domain."

The project offers a timely and unique opportunity to accelerate innovation in data science and AI for the justice and security domain, leverage connections between different data sources, and strengthen the foundation for evidence-based policy. The FAIR data principles are guiding the approach. Collaboration with other relevant TO2 parties (SURF and TNO) is part of the proposal.

The focus is on collaboration, innovation, and quality. The WODC and NFI (budget holders and project leaders) work as clients with TNO, SURF, the JenV Datalab, JenV CDO-office, and Justid. Within this framework, TNO is the knowledge partner for infrastructure development, while JenV Datalab and SURF act as hosting and expertise partners. The JenV CDO-office and Justid contribute to developing the implementation and legal framework, as well as the design of the analysis and research environment. Additionally, organizations such as the Rijks ICT Gilde and I-Interim Rijk are involved in the sourcing of the program. Policy directorates and existing chain partners, such as the DI&I CIO-office and Directorate X, are also actively involved in JusticeLink. The WODC and NFI leverage their academic network and collaborate with strategic knowledge partners like RIVM, CBS, and Deltares. There is a clear intention to exchange knowledge, tools, and facilities, and to develop joint frameworks, which contributes to synergy within the JusticeLink program and its effectiveness.

Would you like more information or have a question about JusticeLink?

Please contact Ed Jansen, Communications Advisor

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