What is the main goal of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)?

The main goal of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is to furnish objective and competent data related to crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operations of justice systems at all levels of government. This organization serves as the primary source for data on crime and justice in the United States and aims to provide reliable statistics that policymakers, researchers, and the public can use to understand crimes and inform discussions on justice-related issues. Objective data helps to ensure accuracy and unbiased insights, which can lead to informed policy decisions and enhance public understanding of crime trends and justice processes.

The other options represent different activities that are not the primary focus of the BJS. Conducting criminal investigations pertains more to law enforcement agencies, while providing subjective data conflicts with the BJS's commitment to objectivity. Overseeing correctional institutions falls under the purview of other organizations tasked with managing and administering corrections, rather than the BJS's role in data collection and statistical analysis.