BJS: Bureau of Justice Statistics

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Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
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Home  | FAQs: Corrections | Total correctional population
FAQs: Total correctional population

As with any specialized field, criminal justice has specific terms to convey specific ideas. Persons...  Read More

Why are data so difficult to compare over years?
Caution must be used when using trend data, as definitions and reporting capabilities change over ti...  Read More

Where can I find the data collections that are archived for public use?
Not all datasets are available for public use. We are actively working on mechanisms to ma...  Read More

What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation refers to adult offenders whom courts place on supervision in the community through a prob...  Read More

Why do data take so long to collect and publish?
Data collections vary in scope, burden, and frequency of collection - (see individual data collectio...  Read More

What is the difference between jails and prisons?
Jails are locally-operated, short term facilities that hold inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or ...  Read More

What is the difference between jurisdiction and custody counts?
To have jurisdiction means that an entity has legal authority over a prisoner. To have custody of a ...  Read More

Where can I locate state-specific data on prison populations?
The Prisoners bulletin series provide state-level data on prisoners under the jurisdiction of s...  Read More

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