How is 'Criminal Justice Information' defined?

The correct answer focuses on 'Criminal Justice Information' as data that is essential for legally authorized functions within the criminal justice system. This encompasses information that law enforcement agencies, courts, and other entities within the justice system utilize to perform their duties, such as enforcing the law, investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring public safety. Such information is critical in facilitating appropriate responses to crimes and maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture this definition. Information needed for personal investigations does not relate to the broader context of the legal framework governing criminal justice. Data collected by private agencies may not always be aligned with or regulated under criminal justice requirements, which can lead to inconsistencies regarding its use in legal contexts. Lastly, statistics regarding general crime rates are informative but do not encompass the specific, actionable data required for criminal justice functions, hence lacking the focus on authorized use that characterizes Criminal Justice Information.