Executive Order RP64 - January 29, 2007

BY THE
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
Executive Department
Austin, Texas
January 29, 2007

WHEREAS, establishing a statistical analysis center will result in more cost-effective criminal justice programs and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, establishing a statistical analysis center will increase the public safety of all Texans; and

WHEREAS, the State's involvement in criminal justice policy is critical for all levels of government to develop appropriate programs and policies related to crime, illegal drugs, services to victims, and the administration of justice; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for a statistical analysis center to maximize the resources available and continue to reduce crime in Texas; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Texas Statistical Analysis Center shall be to collect, analyze and report statewide criminal justice statistics; evaluate the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives; and disseminate analysis results to practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, and the public in order to enhance the quality of criminal justice and crime prevention at all levels of government.

NOW THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas as the Chief Executive Officer, do hereby order the following:

Creation. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center, is hereby created and shall carry out the mission stated herein.

Designation. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is designated as the criminal justice statistical analysis center for the State of Texas and as the liaison for the state to the United States Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state and federal government related to criminal justice data collection, analysis, information systems, reporting, and research.

Authorization to Contract. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is authorized to contract with qualified public or private entities for designated program evaluations, assessments, research projects, population forecasting, and general assistance. Contracts shall be monitored by the Texas Statistical Analysis Center for compliance, audited for accuracy, and evaluated for effectiveness.

Personnel. Staff may be employed as necessary to accomplish the mission stated in this executive order.

Funding. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is hereby authorized to seek available State and Federal funding to accomplish the mission set forth in this executive order.

Assets. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center shall use the assets of the Office of the Governor to accomplish the mission and purposes set forth in this executive order.

Access to Data. The Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is hereby authorized access to the data bases of the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, the Texas Youth Commission, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and any other relevant agencies as needed to accomplish the duties as set forth in this executive order and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws or regulations. The access authorized by this executive order does not grant the Center the right to add, delete, or alter data maintained by another agency.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders on this matter that are in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and this order shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding governor.

Given under my hand this the 29th day of January, 2007.

RICK PERRY(Signature)
Governor

Attested by:
ROGER WILLIAMS(Signature)
Secretary of State