NCJ Number
100180
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper summarizes recommended changes in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program in unit-record reporting, the two-component system, quality assurance, and UCR integration with the National Crime Survey (NCS) and Offender-Based Transaction Statistics (OBTS).
Abstract
In contrast to the current summary reporting system, the proposed unit-record reporting would require law enforcement agencies to report data on each offense and arrest individually. This would increase accuracy by allowing most tabulations to be computerized and by providing a sound basis for edit checks and audits. The proposed two-component system would require about 95 percent of police agencies, known as level I participants, to report the same information currently contained in UCR. Level II participants, consisting of the Nation's largest police agencies and a sampling of all others, would report more extensive data on more offense categories. Quality assurance recommendations include routine audit procedures, agency self-certification of minimum reporting-system standards, increased feedback to local agencies, and the strengthening of State UCR quality assurance measures. The proposed integration of UCR, NCS, and OBTS systems would provide complementary crime statistics for multiple purposes.