NCJ Number
192432
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 1, 2 Dated: Spring/Fall 2001 Pages: 167-181
Date Published
2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined reporting discrepancies in international homicide indicators and assessed the consequences of these discrepancies for model estimation.
Abstract
Reporting discrepancies were detected by comparing homicide statistics collected by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the United Nations Crime Survey (UNCS), and the World Health Organization (WHO). In determining how reporting discrepancies occur, homicide indicators were classified in two categories: completed murders only and completed and attempted murders combined. The WHO indicator includes completed murder only, and the Interpol and UNCS indicators contain both complete and attempted murders. Unjustified discrepancies in data may occur because national respondents may make recording errors or unknowingly overlook definitions and criteria set by the reporting organizations. Recording errors can also occur when data coders of intergovernmental agencies incorrectly enter data into the international crime statistics. Reporting discrepancies can be visible in the form of erratic or irregular reporting. This study detected reporting discrepancies in 16 respondents whose data were tainted with inconsistent or erratic figures. These reporting problems have altered estimations of correlation and regression models. Future research should explore further these reporting discrepancies and develop strategies to reduce inconsistencies and irregularities in international crime statistics. 3 tables, 3 notes, and 49 references