Research & Subject Guides: Introduction to Criminal Justice Research: Statistics and Organizations

Geographic Information System (GIS) Databases & Datasets

Geographical information system (GIS) databases can be incredibly valuable in Criminal Justice research. GIS databases such as Policy Map and Social Explorer can allow for the spatial analysis of crime patterns, hotspots, and other relevant data.

GIS Databases:

PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
PolicyMap offers easy-to-use online mapping with data on demographics, real estate, health, jobs and more in communities across the US. From the classroom to the boardroom, thousands of organizations trust PolicyMap to find the right data for their research, market studies, business planning, site selection, grant applications and impact analysis.
Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer is an online research tool that provides access to current and historical census data and demographic information. The Web interface lets users create maps and reports to illustrate, analyze, and understand demography and social change.
Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
An authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States.

Organizations and Agencies

Online Criminal Justice Resources, Reports, and Data.

U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is a federal executive department responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice in the United States.

Bureau of Justice Statistics
BJS is the primary statistical agency of the Department of Justice. It is one of the thirteen principal federal statistical agencies throughout the Executive Branch, agencies whose activities are predominantly focused on the collection, compilation, processing, or analysis of information for statistical purposes.

Crime Data Explorer
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer (CDE) aims to provide transparency, create easier access, and expand awareness of criminal, and noncriminal, law enforcement data sharing; improve accountability for law enforcement; and provide a foundation to help shape public policy with the result of a safer nation. Use the CDE to discover available data through visualizations, download data in .csv format, and other large data files.