NCJ Number
91767
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: (1983) Pages: 429-446
Date Published
1983
Length
18 pages
Annotation
As a result of the decentralized system of American criminal justice, state information systems have developed in a fragmented manner. Thus, the availability of justice data, which is one product of these systems, varies greatly between states.
Abstract
Although these disparities are widely acknowledged, very little information exists on the extent of the disparities. This article compares data availability across states as well as the level of computerization of these data, and the facility with which criminal justice agencies share the data with other state justice agencies. These variables are important because thorough data availability, a high level of computerization, and a willingness to share existing data can increase the quality and timeliness of criminal justice policy making. (Author abstract)