The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is a U.S. government agency that collects, analyzes, and publishes data related to crime, criminal offenders, and the functioning of the justice system. Established in 1979, the BJS aims to provide reliable statistics that help policymakers, researchers, and the public understand trends in crime and justice. BJS data covers various topics, including violent crime, property crime, and juvenile justice. The agency also conducts surveys, such as the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), which gathers information directly from victims about their experiences with crime, helping to paint a clearer picture of crime in America.