Created in 1982, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is a statutorily authorized entity mandated to carry out various coordinating, monitoring and reporting functions regarding the administration and management of criminal justice programs in Arizona. It is comprised of more than 15 members who represent various elements of the criminal justice system in Arizona. The commission serves as a resource and service organization for Arizonas over 480 criminal justice agencies on a variety of issues, such as drugs, gangs and victim compensation. Located in Phoenix, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also provides assistance with criminal record improvement initiatives. It facilitates information and data exchange among statewide agencies by establishing and maintaining criminal justice information archives and monitoring legislations.