The Interactive Data Analyzer (IDA) is a powerful online tool designed by the United States Sentencing Commission to facilitate interaction with federal sentencing data in a user-friendly manner. This tool enables users to create and customize tables and figures, drill down into specific data points, and explore topics of interest in depth.
The IDA presents annual data stored in a secure data warehouse, which is periodically updated with the latest information collected, received, and edited by the Commission. It offers prebuilt data dashboards for the four most common crime types in the federal caseload, as well as other areas of interest. Users can navigate these sections using the main menu and filter data by fiscal years, jurisdictions, offender characteristics, or other variables using the filtering menu.
To get started with the IDA, users can click on the "Explore IDA" button, which directs them to the IDA website. From there, they can navigate through the prebuilt dashboards or use the filtering options to find specific data. For those looking for a more in-depth understanding of how to use the IDA and its capabilities, there are resources available, including a Commission Chats podcast episode featuring Kris Tennyson, Deputy Director of the Office of Research and Data, discussing the development and future of IDA.
For users who are new to the IDA or need assistance, there is a section dedicated to frequently asked questions. This resource helps users navigate the IDA, understand its features, and troubleshoot any issues they might encounter.
The Interactive Data Analyzer is a valuable tool for anyone interested in federal sentencing data, including researchers, legal professionals, and policymakers. Its ability to provide detailed, customizable insights into sentencing practices makes it an indispensable resource for understanding and analyzing federal crime and sentencing trends. Whether you're looking to explore data on specific crime types, offender characteristics, or sentencing outcomes, the IDA offers a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to do so. Explore the IDA today to discover its full potential.
