Bureau of Justice Statistics

Justice statistics: start with the definitions

Official criminal-justice data and statistical reports.

Read the primary source

Data portal / Varies by dataset

Data portal · Bureau of Justice Statistics

Read with context.

Distinguish arrests, charges, convictions, incarceration and victimization; each measures something different.

Read methodology and coverage notes before connecting data to a particular policy claim.

Limits to keep in view

Data collection, population coverage and reporting lag vary.

Connect evidence to action

Choose a question, verify the relevant jurisdiction, and explain the action you are asking someone to take. A source-backed draft is a starting point—not a message sent on your behalf.

Use this in an advocacy brief

Research sources

Source text supports this summary. Human editorial approval, service availability and eligibility are separate checks.

Source-linked reference · Baseline source-linked record; editorial review pending

Related policy & program records

Shared topic, not a claim of causation or eligibility.

Your working notes

Keep the context with the claim.

Write the question first

What are you trying to understand? Identify the population and place before looking for a number that might support your position.

Capture the measure

Record the source title, table or indicator, units, reference period and any stated uncertainty. Preserve the original wording of technical definitions.

Distinguish observation from explanation

A difference between groups can prompt further inquiry. It does not, by itself, identify the cause or establish the effect of a particular policy.