Compare and contrast the major data sources where criminal justice researchers find data about crime. What do you see as the primary strengths and weaknesses of each source?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The UCR provides the least amount of information about victim characteristics and other characteristics. The Hate Crime Statistics, Supplementary Homicide Report and NIBRS all provide more information regarding victims. The NCVS has the most thorough examination of victim and victim characteristics. The UCR looks at the eight index crimes and 21 other offense. The Supplementary Homicide Report has information on age, sex, and race of the murder victim and the offender; the type of weapon used; the relationship of the victim to the offender, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. NIBRS collects information the eight index crime and 32 other offenses and records rape of male victims by female offenders. The NCVS estimates all crime victimizations including those not reported to the police, collects data as personal crimes or property crimes; collects victimization data including type of crime, month, time, location, relationship between offender and victim, etc. (see page 27 in text).