Comparing UCR, NCVS, and NIBRS: Understanding Unreported Crimes and Victim Data

Abstract

When collaborating with your 2 classmates comment on 2 students that had a different opinion than yours.  By 11:59 PM (EST) Sunday, you are required to respond to a minimum of two other posts in each discussion question. Your interaction should: Include substantive detail that builds and develops main post topics with well-supported positions, insight and perspective. Interaction should contribute to the discussion by asking questions after including context, respectfully debating positions, and presenting supporting information relevant to the topic. Responses to your peers should be a minimum of 150 words and no more than 400 words. Avinoam Freedman’s Post: There are many similarities between the UCR, NCVS, and NIBRS. Some of these are that all three are trying to collect data on crime and victimization, they all analyze the data collected to try and piece together a picture of what's happening, and they are all used by law enforcement agencies at different points. The UCR which is run by the FBI focuses on aggregate crime statistics while NIBRS which was created from the original program focuses on building a more comprehensive report and typically collects more data than basic crime statistics. The NCVS which is run by the Bureau of Justice Statistics collects its data directly from victims and therefore gives a greater picture of crime due to getting data on the usually unreported crimes or victimizations. Because of that, I believe that NCVS while still being fairly new in the criminal justice world is the most useful because it records the "dark figures" or unreported crimes that for so long have left a large hole in criminal justice science.  Sam Meeks’s Post: The UCR is the first official statistical source that is administered by the FBI. It has an annual report that helps give information on crimes that...