Explain why official crime statistics may not be an accurate reflection of the actual number and kinds of crimes committed in the United States
What will be an ideal response?
Official crime statistics provide important information on crime? however, the data
reflect only those crimes that have been reported to the police. People are more willing
to report crime when they believe that something can be done about it (apprehension of
the perpetrator or retrieval of their property, for example). Some do not report crime
because they are embarrassed or they fear reprisal by the perpetrator. Thus, the
number of crimes reported to police represents only the "tip of the iceberg" when
compared with all offenses actually committed. Studies based on anonymous self-
reports of criminal behavior often reveal much higher rates of crime than those found
in official statistics.
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