In 1972, the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) began providing limited funds to states to operate state statistical analysis centers. The purpose of each state SAC is to enhance the capacity to address criminal justice issues through applied research and data to estimate the implications and impacts of legislative and policy changes. The quantitative focus of the SAC program reflects the current government emphasis on quantifiable data for criminal justice system improvement.

In 1999, pursuant to an Executive Order issued by Maine’s Governor, the Maine Department of Corrections transferred the SAC to the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service. SAC activities are guided by an advisory group comprised of policy-level representatives of the Maine Department of Public Safety, Maine Department of Corrections, Maine Administrative Office of the Courts, and Maine Criminal Justice Commission. SAC themes of focus change every year. In 2008-2009, the Maine SAC has submitted a proposal to work on developing a new Maine Crime & Justice Data B