Three Ways Data Can Influence the Criminal Justice System
In the realm of criminal justice, data is a powerful tool that can drive meaningful reform, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability. However, much of the criminal justice system operates within a data “black box,” leaving practitioners, advocates, and the public in the dark about what information is being tracked, how it’s being used, and who has access to it. In this post, we will explore three critical ways that data can influence the criminal justice system, addressing these challenges and highlighting opportunities for reform.
The Complexity of Criminal Justice Data
Criminal justice in the United States most often occurs at the local level, spread across more than 3,000 counties. The reality is that there is no singular justice system, no uniform way of measuring justice, and no centralized repository where the public can easily access data about their community’s criminal justice activities. Consequently, criminal justice data is incredibly hard to obtain, understand, and utilize, which causes communities to struggle to rally for change or make informed decisions about necessary reforms.
1. Examining the Purpose of Data Collection
To bridge the gaps in data collection, we must first examine its purpose. For many agencies, data collection is seen primarily as a way to support daily operations—tracking case progress, managing resources, and fulfilling reporting requirements. Researchers, advocates, and the public, however, view data through a different lens: to assess the performance of the system as a whole, identify areas of concern, and advocate for reform.
The first step is to ensure that the collected data reflects the experiences of everyone who interacts with the criminal justice system. This means going beyond basic operational metrics and gathering information that can provide insights into issues such as racial disparities, the effectiveness of diversion programs, and the outcomes of various sentencing practices.
2. Establishing Data Standards
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of standardized data collection practices. Without clear, consistent definitions and protocols, data from different communities is often incompatible, making it difficult to get a comprehensive picture of how the system is functioning. To combat this, policymakers should consider pursuing statewide legislation that mandates recording clearly defined data elements across all criminal justice agencies and jurisdictions.
Legislation alone is not enough, however. Local agency leaders must also take the initiative to collaborate, developing standard definitions and best practices for data collection. By working together, agencies can create a more coherent and reliable data landscape, one that enables meaningful analysis and drives informed decision-making.
3. Improving Access to Information
Access remains a significant barrier even when data is collected and recorded consistently. For example, we found that, in New York State, access to criminal justice data is often granted selectively, with some stakeholders able to obtain information. In contrast, others are left in the dark. This inequitable access undermines trust and transparency and prevents the public and advocates from holding the system accountable.
When agencies are transparent and accountable, it builds trust with the communities they serve. Public confidence in the criminal justice system is crucial for its legitimacy and effectiveness. Transparency should be a guiding principle, with agencies actively working to communicate what data is being tracked, how it can be accessed, and how it is being used to inform policy decisions.
Successful Initiatives and the Path Forward
While there are significant challenges, there are also examples of what can be achieved when data is prioritized. Our community-driven data tool, Commons, is a free-to-use, publicly-available criminal justice data dashboard designed to shape policy by providing accessible and actionable data. It offers a range of data, illuminating how cases flow through the system, and is designed to be user-friendly for both the public and policymakers.
As we move forward, initiatives like Commons, alongside efforts to rethink data collection, establish standards, improve access, and address capacity issues, can help eliminate the data “black box” that currently hinders our criminal justice system. By making data more transparent, accessible, and actionable, we can create true change in the system.
If you’re looking to bring better data to your community, we’d love to help with our multiple criminal justice data solutions. Check out all the ways you can get involved in the work we do every day in communities across the country.
