BJS: Bureau of Justice Statistics

  Advanced
Search
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
Home | Criminal Justice Data Improvement Program | State Justice Statistics Program
State Justice Statistics Program
On This Page
About this Topic

State Justice Statistics Program

Current Themes | Past Program Announcements | State-by-State Information


Program Summary

BJS has long supported the establishment and operation of Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) in the states and territories to collect, analyze, and report statistics on crime and justice to Federal, state, and local levels of government, and to share state-level information nationally. The information produced by SACs and their involvement in criminal justice projects has been and will continue to be critical to state, local, and Federal criminal justice agencies and community organizations as they develop programs and policies related to crime, illegal drugs, services to victims, and the administration of justice.

State Justice Statistics Program Goals and Objectives

The State Justice Statistics Program (SJS) is designed to maintain and enhance each state's capacity to address criminal justice issues through the collection and analysis of data. The SJS Program provides limited funds to each state to coordinate statistical activities within the state, conduct research as needed to estimate impacts of legislative and policy changes, and serve a liaison role in assisting BJS to gather data from respondent agencies within their states.

Current Themes

For 2011, SACs applying for funds may choose from among the themes listed below:

  1. Deaths in Police Custody Reporting - Obtaining statewide data on deaths occurring in the process of arrest or in pursuit of arrest.
  2. Criminal justice system crisis planning
  3. Increased access to data
  4. Performance measurement
  5. Analyses utilizing a state's criminal history records
  6. Statewide crime victimization surveys
  7. Analysis of the uses of new or emerging biometric technologies to improve the administration of criminal justice
  8. Research using incident-based crime data that are compatible with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
  9. Data collection and/or research examining a special topical area:
    a.  Minority overrepresentation in the criminal or juvenile justice systems
    b.  Civil justice
    c.  Cybercrime
    d.  Human trafficking
    e.  Justice issues in Indian Country
    f.  Criminal activity in U.S. border areas
    g.  Violent crime in schools
    h.  The impact of substance abuse on state and/or local criminal justice and public health systems
    i.   Family violence and/or stalking
  10. Evaluation of prisoner reentry initiatives and programs
  11. Other theme or topic identified by the SAC

 

Past Program Announcements

State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers, 2011 (90K PDF)

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

 

State-by State-Information

 

 

 

Back to Top
Publications & Products


Terms & Definitions

Data Quality The extent to which criminal history records are complete, accurate and timely. In addition, accessibility sometimes is considered a data quality factor. The key concern in data quality is the completeness of records and the extent to which records include dispositions as well as arrest and charge information. Other concerns include the timeliness of data reporting to State and Federal repositories, the timeliness of data entry by the repositories, the readability of criminal history records and the ability to have access to the records when necessary.
 
Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) are units or agencies at the State government level that use operational, management, and research information from all components of the criminal justice system to conduct objective analyses of statewide and systemwide policy issues. There are currently SACs in 53 States and territories. The SACs vary in their placement within the State government structures. Some are within a criminal justice or general State planning or coordinating agency; some are part of a governor's advisory staff; and others are located in a line agency such as the State police, attorney general's office, or department of corrections. There are several housed in universities.
 
Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) Director Each State Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) is led by a SAC Director who manages the day-to-day operations of the SAC. The SAC Director has extensive knowledge of research methodology and statistical analyses techniques, as well as the ability to design and conduct research studies, and produce and present findings in written and oral presentations. Additionally, the SAC Director is familiar with the factors, issues, and processes involved in crime and the criminal justice system. The SAC Director is able to communicate effectively and maintain sound working relationships with all levels of staff, employees from other agencies, and public officials. A degree, with major studies in mathematics/statistics, computer science, criminology or a related social sciences field with emphasis on research methodology, from an accredited college or university is required.
 
Back to Top
Related Links

Back to Top