MEASURING CRIME & OFFICIAL STATISTICS


"Official Statistics" are defined as the data kept by law
enforcement agencies on the occurance and solving of crimes.
They are used to assess how common crime is, how efficient police
are, and how resources might be used.  They are also used heavily
by researchers and media to study, dramatize, or otherwise
discuss crime.  They have, however, been criticized.  "Official
Statistics," especially the "Uniform Crime Reports" (UCR) kept by
the FBI, will guide today's lecture.

I.  Background discussion
    A. Definitions
    B. Historical information
       1. Early use
       2. Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA)

II. Problems with UCR Reliability

    method of organizational reporting varies

    occurence of some crimes may be given more weight than others

    Reporting rate for some crimes may vary

    Police reporting is discretionary

    Different categories may be used in different departments

    Social values and public opinion may not favor full
    enforcement

    "Follow-up" and "clearance" (ie, what happens after crime
    reported) may shape how crimes are tallied

    Some crimes not detected

    Law enforcement agencies may wish to conceal some criminal
    statistics

    Politics (e.g., funding) may influence the reporting

III. Other problems with UCR
     A. "Meaning" uncertain
     B. People don't report crimes (12 reasons)
     C. Crime rates may be political

IV. Problems with "official Statistics" in Research

V. Alternatives

   A. Self-reports (Surveys)
   B. Observation
   C. Alternative Sources
      1) Nat'l Crime Survey (NCS)

VI. Why don't people report crime?

1. Embarrassment
2. "It won't matter/why bother"
3. They don't realize a crime has been committed
4. They may also be "guilty" of something
5. Fear (retaliation, stigma); fear of police
6. Family/friends are involved