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Finding Data & Statistics
Statistics can strengthen your argument or provide valuable context for the scope of the issue you're researching. Begin by thinking critically about who might collect and analyze data on your topic. Government agencies, international bodies, and specialized research groups all might be great sources to get you started!
As you're starting your search, remember that data is different from statistics. Data is raw information, while statistics are data that have been analyzed and interpreted. Keep that in mind as you consider what type of information you need.
Below, you'll find starting points for data on crime and criminal justice:
- Bureau of Justice StatisticsOfficial government source for statistics on the justice system, including crime and victims, drugs and crime, criminal offenders, law enforcement, prosecution, courts and sentencing, corrections, etc.
- National Archive of Criminal Justice DataSponsored by a number of government agencies to preserve and share data resources. Categorized by subject. Allows keyword searches.
- National Criminal Justice Reference ServiceEstablished in 1972, NCJRS is a federally funded resource "offering justice and substance abuse information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide" with links to resources on such topics as Corrections, Courts, Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice Statistics, Drugs and Crime, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, and Victims.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime Data ExplorerCrime data explorer allows you to find statistics about federal, state, and local crime from reports submitted by participating law enforcement agencies.
Starting Points
If you're not sure exactly what you need, the following resources are great starting points for locating data and statistics on a range of US-focused topics.
- Statistical Abstract of the U.S. (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
- What’s included? The authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.
- What dates are covered? 1878 - Present.
- U.S. CensusA great source for data on diverse topics from education to employment to health. You'll also find links on the Census website to other official statistical resources, both domestic and international.
- Data.govAn open data site from the U.S. government offering a single access point to data from diverse government agencies.
- Google Public Data ExplorerThis tool creates visual representations of public data from US, European, and other international sources. For more information, click on the "Datasets" link on the left side of the main page.
- Pew Research CenterA nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and other data collection on a diversity of topics.