On the first Friday of every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data on employment, unemployment, and wages from the previous month.
Sometimes the news is encouraging, but at other times, it raises concerns. It’s not flawless, yet Americans rely on these figures as they represent the most accurate estimates available, free from political bias.
When the latest employment numbers were released, President Trump was not pleased. He took issue with Commissioner Erica Mantelfer, who had been confirmed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 86-8. This prompted criticism from both political sides.
The ongoing political turmoil surrounding this incident carries significant implications for federal research and statistical agencies. It highlights the important role these bodies play in understanding the complexities of American life.
In my early career, I worked at the National Institute of Justice within the Department of Justice. Twenty years later, I returned as Attorney General, overseeing various research offices.
My approach was to bring in top experts, secure the necessary resources, and then step back to let them do their jobs.
Under strong leadership and committed staff, the Justice Department managed to clear a report backlog that had plagued it under the previous administration, producing over 200 statistical reports in four years.
The agency also focused on making data more accessible through innovative tools and concise reports. However, the chronic underfunding from Congress remains a significant hurdle.
Why does this matter? Up-to-date crime and judicial data are crucial for identifying, preventing, and managing criminal behavior. If you can’t see the problem, well, how can you address it?
Take, for example, the data on deaths in detention facilities. Statistics show that a significant percentage of prison deaths occur within the first week of incarceration, which could prompt corrective measures if acted upon swiftly.
Data, particularly from federal law enforcement, can also guide better hiring practices. If a hiring manager is aware of a candidate’s history of misconduct, it could prevent future issues.
Moreover, accurate data supports effective public policies. If you’re following the news, it can be easy to get misguided perceptions about violence trends, especially if you don’t look deeply.
Yet, some critical data is starting to fade away.
Recent reports reveal that the government has been discontinuing databases that track federal police accountability, and funding has been cut for initiatives aimed at better tracking custody-related deaths. Some reports on racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system have also been taken offline.
Many federal datasets have been altered without proper documentation, leaving us uncertain about the extent of these changes and what might happen next.
To be fair, the Bureau of Justice Statistics released a new report recently that covers a variety of topics. However, when I left the Justice Department last year, the situation wasn’t ideal. The time needed for data collection and reporting had significantly lengthened.
As a result, for more than a decade now, we’ve lacked fresh insights into local prison situations, recidivism rates, and public defense challenges. Having real-time crime data is invaluable for making informed decisions.
According to recent polls, a vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, agree that federal statistics are essential for understanding societal issues, particularly concerning public safety and the economy.
Our police chiefs, mayors, and communities deserve timely, accurate data from the government regarding crime. But this credibility hinges on trusting the information provided by our government.
