NCJ Number
78346
Date Published
1979
Length
251 pages
Annotation
This study suggests and tests several alternative denominators for measuring crime which more accurately define underlying criminal activity using at-risk populations or areas.
Abstract
Operational agencies traditionally use frequency counts of crime or crime rates per 100,000 population for planning and managing police operations. These measures often do not indicate true criminal levels of activity. Using the two Oklahoma cities of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, the project applied new measures of the seven Part I crimes. The new rates for at-risk populations (females between certain ages for rape and residential dwellings for burglary, for example) were computed, plotted, and compared with the traditional frequency counts of crime and crime rates per 100,000 population. Principal findings were that data exist in cities which, with some moderate amount of cooperation and coordination between city agencies, can be used to create alternative measures of the seven Part I crimes. In particular, small area measures are useful for depicting crimes of burglary and number of females for rape. The results are consistent with tests of the Sellin-Wolfgang index by other researchers and the work of Boggs. The study recommends that police officers and city planners be made aware of the potential for using these and other alternative crime measures to enhance police planning and operations. Potential applications of alternative denominators, such as in aiding resource allocation decisions, are discussed. Tables, maps, and graphs are provided. Over 50 references are included. Appendixes list social variables used in the study. (Author summary modified)