Course: Introduction
The mission of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is to collect, analyze, publish, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is a government agency whose mission is to collect, analyze, publish, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. The agency was created in 1979 as part of the Department of Justice and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The BJS collects data on a wide range of criminal justice topics, including crime rates, victimization, arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences. They also gather information on the characteristics of criminal offenders, such as their age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Additionally, the BJS tracks the operation of the justice system, including the number of people in jail or prison, the length of their sentences, and the types of crimes for which they were convicted.
The agency’s data collection efforts include both surveys and administrative records. They conduct several national surveys each year, such as the National Crime Victimization Survey and the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities. These surveys gather information directly from individuals and households about their experiences with crime and the criminal justice system. The BJS also collects data from administrative records, such as police reports and court records.
Once the BJS has collected data, they analyze it and produce statistical reports and other publications. These reports are available to the public on the agency’s website and cover a wide range of topics related to crime and justice. For example, they might produce a report on the number of people incarcerated in the United States or the prevalence of certain types of crimes in different parts of the country. These reports are used by policymakers, researchers, and the public to better understand crime and justice issues and to develop evidence-based solutions.
In addition to data collection and analysis, the BJS also provides technical assistance to states and local jurisdictions. This might include helping them to design and implement surveys or to improve their record-keeping systems. The agency also provides training and resources to criminal justice professionals, such as law enforcement officers and court personnel.
Overall, the Bureau of Justice Statistics is an important agency in the United States criminal justice system. By collecting and analyzing data on crime and justice, the BJS helps to inform policymaking and promote public safety. Their reports and publications are valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and the public, and their technical assistance helps to improve the functioning of criminal justice systems across the country.
Website: http://www.bjs.gov
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Last Modified: 05/05/2023