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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.
For 2011, SACs applying for funds may choose from among the themes listed below:
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
State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers, 2011 (90K PDF)
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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. |
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