Research Data Centre proposal guide for Criminal Justice Relational Database users

This document has been developed with the goal of aiding researchers with the preparation of their proposals to use the Criminal Justice Relational Database (CJRD). This guide provides an overview of considerations researchers should take into account when formulating their proposals based on common reasons for proposals requiring revisions.

In addition to this document, researchers are encouraged to consult and carefully review the CJRD User Guide. The CJRD User Guide is available upon request from the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) CJRD Mailbox (statcan.cjrd-bdrjp.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).

1. Datasets required

Please use the following table to indicate which CJRD datasets you require, the timeframe you intend to use in your analyses, and the reason for requiring the dataset for the proposed study. When describing the reason for including a dataset in the study, clearly explain how the information in the dataset will be used to address the objectives and/or research question(s) of the proposed study. Additionally, if multiple Supplementary Datasets and/or Concordance Key Files are being requested, describe how the dataset will be used in combination with the other requested datasets.

2. Core Datasets and Sample Description

Please note that the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR), Integrated Criminal Court Survey (ICCS) and the Canadian Correctional Services Survey (CCSS) are the Core Datasets in the Criminal Justice Research Database (CJRD). These datasets constitute the foundation of the CJRD and must be used when identifying the unit of analysis or population of interest for the proposed study. Researchers cannot use the Census or any other Supplemental Datasets as their cohort of analysis. The Core Datasets (UCR, ICCS and CCSS) must be used as the basis (cohort) for any analyses. Any other cohorts (e.g., from the Census) are not covered under the approved microdata linkage for the CJRD (013-2023).  Within your proposal, please clearly indicate: 

1. The unit of analysis and/or population of interest
2. The Core Dataset(s) from which the unit of analysis and/or population of interest will be identified
3. The reference period for the unit of analysis and/or population of interest

3. Geography

The CCJCSS has specific reporting requirements to data providers about the uses of their data for jurisdictional-level analyses and lower. Therefore, all level(s) of geography for which estimates will be produced (e.g., national, provincial/territorial, or lower) must be indicated in the proposal. Any changes to the geographic levels (provincial/territorial or lower) will require an amendment to the project. 

4. Census of Population or National Household Survey 

Researchers must specify the population and reference period from the Core Dataset(s) they intend to merge with the Census of Population/National Household Survey. Additionally, in the Methodology section of the proposal, researchers must provide details about their proposed approach for developing calibrated weights for the identified cohort (see CJRD User Guide for more details on calibrated weights and why they are required). CCJCSS has developed calibrated weights for the Integrated Criminal Court Survey (ICCS) starting in 2016/2017. These calibrated weights are now available in the CJRD. However, for other datasets and reference years, researchers may need to calculate their own weights. Assistance in the development of calibrated weights for specific subsets or other Core Datasets may be available on request.

5. Information for researchers conducting research on Indigenous Peoples

Researchers must approach the complexities of working with Indigenous populations in a sensitive and informed manner, ensuring the integrity of their research while respecting the unique rights and needs of Indigenous communities.

• When designing a study that involves Indigenous populations, consider their unique rights, interests, and circumstances and ensure that research respects and highlights these differences. The way Indigenous Peoples are presented and engaged with in research must reflect their distinct experiences.
• Make a clear distinction between Indigenous populations and other racialized groups. Where data allows, further disaggregate results by First Nations, Métis and Inuit to reflect diverse identities within Indigenous populations.
• Discuss the overall benefits or public good of projects but also carefully examine and articulate the specific benefits and harms for Indigenous populations. In addition, strategies for mitigating any potential harm should be addressed clearly.
• Engage with First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit communities by referring to the CRDCN guidelines. 
• Identify which data source will be used to determine the Indigenous population.