What is a Statistical Analysis Center?
A Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) is an office established in a state or territory for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and distributing crime and justice-related data. Supported by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are currently SACs in 51 states and territories.
About Us
The Minnesota SAC supports Minnesota’s policy-makers and leaders by providing thorough and accurate data analysis and research on all aspects of the criminal justice system. This information assists policy makers at all levels to identify emerging critical issues and to improve the effectiveness of Minnesota's justice system.
Goals
- Provide sound and understandable information to a variety of stakeholders
- Promote effective programming through evaluation capacity building
- Understand the various criminal justice data collection processes and procedures across the entire system
- Serve as a clearinghouse of criminal justice information
Guiding Principles
- Accurate and understandable information is vital to informed decision-making
- Clear communication is necessary so that data is understood and used appropriately
- Technology is an efficient resource that should be used when possible to ensure data collection is accurate, easy, and accessible to all stakeholders
- Evaluation is a powerful tool and should always be done in the spirit of collaboration and program improvement
- Programs should be empowered to enhance their evaluation capabilities
Stakeholders
- Policy makers at all levels of government
- The public
- Law enforcement
- Community-based criminal justice program providers
- Legislators
- Victims
