The Research & Analysis Unit serves as Illinois’ Statistical Analysis Center (SAC). State SACs provide objective analysis of criminal justice data for informing statewide policy and practice. The Illinois SAC is affiliated with and supported by the Justice Information Resource Network (JIRN), a national nonprofit organization that promotes collaboration and exchange of information among state SACs, and acts as a liaison between state agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice.

R&A has taken a leadership role in convening policymakers and practitioners to coordinate and improve system response to crime and to promote the use of evidence-based and promising practices at the state and local level. The unit staffs statutorily created criminal justice initiatives. It also develops statistical methodologies and provides statistical advice and interpretation to support criminal justice decision-making and information needs.