State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers

The SJS Program is designed to maintain and enhance each state’s capacity to address criminal justice issues through the collection and analysis of data. The program provides limited funds to coordinate statistical activities within the state, conduct research to estimate the impacts of legislative and policy changes, and serve as a liaison role to assist BJS with gathering data from respondent agencies in their states. Each application for funding under this program must specify the participating organizations in the state and the particular issues to be addressed. Each year, BJS announces specific...

State SACs are the only entities eligible to apply for funds under the SJS program. General applicants must meet the requirements for a SAC as specified in these guidelines. The applicant SAC must be authorized by state legislation or executive order. The SAC must be a nonpartisan professional organization, serving all branches of the criminal justice system and all levels of government in the state and the general public. Objectivity, independence, and visibility are important considerations in determining its placement in the state government. It is desirable that the SAC not be part of an agency that has line responsibilities in criminal justice programs; if the SAC is located in such an agency (e.g., State Police, Department of Corrections, and Administrative Office of the Courts), special provisions must be made to ensure the SAC’s broad mission, objectivity, independence, and visibility. These provisions must be documented in each application for funding.