CSI’S DATA METHODOLOGY
The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) data dashboard methodology builds upon the approach used by Shannon et al. and the Brennan Center for Justice. We apply conviction rates, recidivism rates, deportation rates, mortality/survival rates, and inter-state mobility rates to estimate how many unique people are impacted by a record (vs. the number of cases or arrests reported). See below for citations, or click here to access our full methodology document.
How We Calculated the Number of People with a Record by State*
*Sample data, not actual data, is represented below.
Where We Got Our Information
Resources
Shannon, S. K., Uggen, C., Schnittker, J., Thompson, M., Wakefield, S., & Massoglia, M. (2017). The growth, scope, and spatial distribution of people with felony records in the United States, 1948–2010. Demography, 54(5), 1795-1818.
Craigie, T.A., Grawert, A., & Kimble, C. (2020). Conviction, imprisonment, and lost earnings: How involvement with the criminal justice system deepens inequality. Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.
OUR METHODOLOGY & DATA PRODUCTS
CSI’s Data Dashboard
When it comes to data about arrest and conviction records, there has always been one big, ironic gap: a lack of records. Since the beginning of record clearance efforts across the country, advocates, lawmakers, and stakeholders have struggled to pull together data that can illustrate policy impacts due to a lack of consistent record-keeping in states — especially data that are broken down by different demographics. That’s why we’re thrilled to provide a one-of-a-kind data dashboard that provides state-specific data about records and the impacts of record clearance.
The CSI Data Dashboard presents population estimates for people in the U.S. who are impacted by arrest or conviction records, with data further broken down by race, ethnicity, sex, and type of record, within each state and over time.
State Data Factsheets
Our methodology allows us to create projections related to Clean Slate policies, including estimating the impact that a proposed Clean Slate policy might have in a particular state. To begin highlighting those impact statements, we’re releasing a series of data factsheets specific to states that can help aid advocacy, insight, messaging, and more. As our research develops, we will release additional factsheets.
Here are the impact statements for the following states: