The study describes the capabilities of each State to report on criminal justice information and statistics in the generic areas of corrections, courts, juvenile justice, and law enforcement. In addition, the study focuses on the reporting capabilities of a specific agency type, the statistical analysis center (SAC). One respondent was chosen from each State information system agency to answer a questionnaire consisting of general questions applicable to all agencies and of four specialized modules relevant to particular agencies that deal with criminal justice data on corrections, courts, juvenile justice, and law enforcement. Within these areas, data were also collected on subclassifications such as offender, parole, and prosecutor. Most of the data collection took place between November 1980 and January 1981. The report discusses some of the common fiscal, political, and technological problems faced by States in the continued development of their information systems. Interstate disparities in reporting capabilities are described, including variables used to ascertain levels of information development (data availability, capabilities to use the process data, interactions between information agencies, and authorization for statistical reporting). The study recommends that the Federal Government continue its role in information system development. Moreover, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) should increase its interaction with State agencies in order to help them assess their needs, problems, and future expectations relative to system development. One Federal strategy could be to raise all agencies, systems, and States to a minimal level of competency in reporting capabilities. Finally, BJS could take a leadership role in developing complementary information systems across States either by supporting standardization between systems or promoting the creation of additional national information systems and reporting requirements. Tables, figures, and footnotes are provided. Study materials are appended. For the second volume of this report, see NCJ 79743.
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