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Criminal Justice Statistics

About CJSAC

Elzie Burgher, Executive Director

Elzie Burgher was appointed as Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet on 1 November 2022. As Executive Director, he provides direction and guidance to the Center and ensures that it meets all statistical analysis, research, and evaluation requirements as efficiently and effectively as possible to provide the Commonwealth the most current and relevant criminal justice information.

Prior to joining the Center, Elzie served as the Deputy Budget Director, Budget Director, Chief Financial Officer, Contracting Officer, Grants Program Manager, and Acting Grants Budget Manager for the Cabinet's Office of the Secretary. Prior to joining the Cabinet, Elzie worked as a Consultant for Whitney, Bradley, and Brown (now Serco) and served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He currently serves as Logistics Officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard.

He is graduate of Saint Catherine College with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences and of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.


Andrew Ritzel, Deputy Director

Andrew Ritzel is the Deputy Director of the Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Prior to his work with the Cabinet, Andrew worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, and the CDC Foundation. Andrew's roles have focused on creating new programmatic initiatives based on strategic needs assessment, metrics and data analysis, and process improvement methodology. 

Through his role as Deputy Director, Andrew plays a crucial part in shaping data-driven decision-making processes and fostering collaboration among criminal justice stakeholders. Andrew has a background in grant writing and grant management. His experience in securing funding and overseeing grant programs allows him to contribute to developing projects aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice policies and practices. Andrew's proficiency in grant management ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, maximizing their impact on improving public safety outcomes.

Andrew possesses a unique perspective on connecting public health to the field of criminal justice. He recognizes significant intersections between these two domains and believes in leveraging public health strategies to address the complex issues within the criminal justice system. By applying evidence-based approaches and utilizing data analysis, Andrew strives to create a more equitable and effective justice system that benefits individuals and communities throughout Kentucky.

Andrew graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish. He further pursued his studies at the University of Kentucky and obtained a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Behavior.