Modernizing Crime Statistics: Report 2 - New Systems for Measuring Crime

• NCJ Number: 251580
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 280 pages
• Grant Number(s): SES-1024012
• Agencies: BJS-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description

Annotation

This second report on measuring crime statistics examines methodological and implementation issues and presents a conceptual framework for modernizing crime statistics.

Abstract

Report 1 performed a comprehensive reassessment of what is meant by crime in U.S. crime statistics, and it recommends a new classification of crime to modernize crime statistics. Report 2 notes that the nation's crime statistics have not been prepared to measure cyber-crimes such as the deployment of malware or coordinated attacks on computer networks. Issues in drug crime statistics are also noted. The overall conclusion is that current national crime statistics lack the detail and the timeliness to address important concerns, even regarding offenses that are commonly thought to be well measured. At the suggestion of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, a Panel on Modernizing the Nation's Crime Statistics was charged with reviewing the entire U.S. crime statistics enterprise. Specifically, it was charged by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI with performing a comprehensive reassessment of what is meant by crime in U.S. crime statistics and recommending a new classification of crime to organize measurement efforts. This report covers methodological issues and implementation issues. Methodological issues involve assessing the adequacy and appropriateness of current crime statistics collections and suggesting the best conceptual means of collecting data, based on the recommended classification. Implementation issues describe how national crime data collection should proceed, including how to leverage available information technology assets, accommodate the demands of crime data stakeholders, and moderate the burden placed on crime data providers, recognizing the voluntary nature of crime data reporting. Panel members are listed.