Massachusetts SJS Statistical Analysis Center FY 2013

The State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program is designed to maintain and enhance each state's capacity to address criminal justice issues through collection and analysis of data. The SJS Program provides support to each state to coordinate and conduct statistical activities within the state, conduct research to estimate impacts of legislative and policy changes, and serve as a liaison in assisting BJS to gather data from respondent agencies within their states.

The Massachusetts Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), located within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, will use SJS funds to complete two projects. First, the SAC will partner with the Massachusetts Sheriff's Association (MSA) to develop a statewide report on recidivism rates. The SAC will collaborate with the MSA and a county Sheriff team to develop a data set for county corrections that can be paired with Department of Correction (DOC) data to produce a total picture of correctional recidivism for the Commonwealth. These data will be used to track the progress of correctional goals over time as well as the impact that operational and policy decisions have on reoffending. Second, the SAC will continue its efforts to provide data on Arrest-Related Deaths (ARD) to BJS. The SAC will also revise its methodology to streamline and improve the data collection process to ensure that the appropriate agencies are being contacted to obtain ARD data. (CA/NCF)