The U.S. Department of Justice"s Bureau of Justice Statistics has deployed predictive analysis software from Chicago-based SPSS Inc. to analyze crime data and produce reports on key justice-related issues.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics collects, analyzes and disseminates information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government, according to a statement from the agency. The data is used by federal, state and local policymakers to combat crime and make sure justice is efficient and equitable.

The agency"s 32 statisticians are using the software to assess and produce reports on an extensive set of criminal and justice data, SPSS said. Recent reports generated by SPSS have focused on crime and victims, correctional institution populations, forensic crime labs, law enforcement agencies and civil justice case loads.

"We"re very proud that SPSS software is benefiting the Bureau of Justice Statistics in their essential work to track national crime data," said SPSS President and CEO Jack Noonan. "This demonstrates the growing utility of predictive analytics and its ability to identify key process improvements throughout the public and private sector."