Discuss the data-gathering problems associated with the Uniform Crime Reports and the efforts made to address this issue

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

For nearly 75 years, the Uniform Crime Reports have served as this country's primary source for gathering crime data. Similar to other statistical data-gathering systems in the social sciences, shortcomings in its methodologies eventually surfaced. One such problem has been the hierarchy rule, which records only the most serious offense at the scene of multiple criminal incidents. A second problem is the fact that the Uniform Crime Reports do not record crimes for Part II offenses unless an arrest is made. Therefore, acts such as forgery, vandalism, and disorderly conduct go unknown to the FBI unless there is an arrest of the offender. Another concern has been the fact that some Part II offenses such as kidnapping and drug-law violations are serious enough to be upgraded to Part I offenses. Thus, one can conclude that the actual number of crimes reported by the FBI is lower than the actual number of offenses committed. In an effort to improve the quantity and quality of crime data gathered by law enforcement, an incident-based reporting system, known as the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), is being implemented to collect data on every single crime. Undoubtedly, the NIBRS will improve the methodology used in compiling our nation's crime data and provide a more accurate picture of crime in the United States.