BJS FY24 State Justice Statistics for Statistical Analysis Centers Technical Assistance Program

State Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) are designated agencies that collect, disseminate and analyze statistics on crime and criminal justice relevant to their state. States rely on SACs to provide data-focused information and recommendations on patterns of criminal activity and the impact of criminal justice policy and practice. The goal of this proposal is to enhance the statistical, research and communication capabilities of state Statistical Analysis Centers.

Created in 1974 as the Criminal Justice Statistics Association (CJSA), the Justice Information Resource Center (JIRN) has long enhanced the capacity of the SAC community by providing technical support and training, convening in-person and online networking opportunities, helping SACs write and disseminate high quality reports and proposals, and serving as a liaison to the federal Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. JIRN proposes to continue and extend this support in the coming year.

This goal and these objectives are pursued through eleven deliverables including; editorial review and assistance on SAC proposals for SJS funding; assistance with research or data collection methods, using interagency agreements, or assessing and improving data quality; assistance on IRBs/Protection of Human Subjects; convene skill-building professional seminars; provide for new SAC Director orientation; plan and conduct conference activities; convene conference calls of SACs working on similar themes to share information and identify common technical assistance needs; provide a Mutual Assistance Program (MAP); operate an information database; publish materials and disseminate information; and increase exposure for SACs.

These deliverables provided by JIRN will be informed by an annual assessment and survey of SAC strengths and vulnerabilities as well as by JIRN’s recent rebranding initiative built upon extensive focus group interviewing of current members, former or lapsed members, and prospective members including policymakers, practitioners across the criminal justice system, journalists, educators, students and activists.

Through the years, support from JIRN has allowed SACs to conduct rigorous up-to-date analyses, write comprehensive reports, and disseminate those reports to a relevant large audience. JIRN has also been able to foster relationships for SACs with the Bureau of Justice Statistics, research organizations, universities, and other SACs. The continued involvement of JIRN is invaluable for SACs to maintain their high quality of analysis and writing as well as ensure that the work being done is promoted and disseminated to a wider audience.