National Media Resources/Web Sites for Criminal Justice Information

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For reporters, it is essential to reach knowledgeable specialists who will save you time by providing quotable information, helpful documents via download and referrals to knowledgeable, media friendly experts. There are hundreds of sources for criminal justice information, and only a few are listed here (see "contact us" for phone numbers).  Please cut and paste the addresses or use the "open hyperlink" option.

There are two primary sources/web sites for criminal justice information. The Office of Justice Programs is the umbrella organization for a variety of federal criminal justice and statistical efforts. The most useful organizations are the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).  Both provide lists of publications that are useful for story purposes. Their subject specialists are always helpful, and will refer you to other media friendly experts and resources.

Another good generic national site is the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, another OJP funded organization. Their subject specialists (see "Contact NCJRS") are there to refer you to relevant organizations and experts. They will also refer you to web sites for quick document downloads.

Other Useful Organizations

Crime Statistics:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 
(For information on national, state and local crimes "reported" to law enforcement).

Bureau of Justice Statistics
(For information on national crime surveys for "total" crime figures, see the "Criminal Victimization in the United States" series).

Law Enforcement:

Police Executive Research Forum

International Association of Chiefs of Police 

National Sheriff's Association 

Corrections:

U.S. Dept. of Justice, National Institute of Corrections 

The American Correctional Association 

American Parole and Probation Association

American Jail Association

International Community Corrections Association

Re-entry Policy Council 

Courts:

National Center for Courts 

Victim Issues:

National Organization for Victim Assistance 

Office for Victims of Crime 

Security:

American Society for Industrial Security 

Everything Else:

Criminal Justice Journalists 
(Good tools for crime reporters)

Florida State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice 
(Probably the best generic criminological web site in the country)

List compiled by Leonard A. Sipes, Jr., Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (a federal, executive branch entity) and former Senior Information Specialist for the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, and former Director of Information Services for the National Crime Prevention Council. Contact Sipes at 202-220-5616 or at leonard.sipes@csosa.gov.



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