Uniform Crime Report

There are various measurement tools and surveys used to capture delinquency. These tools depict a certain extent of crime due to multiple reasons such as not reporting, over reporting, and omission of certain crimes. All of which significantly impact the statistical data resulting from the collection methods used by the government. Some of these methods include Uniform Crime Report (UCR), National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and self-report surveys. Every report has a distinct process and the type of information collected within, however, each method attempts to present the most accurate data.

The Uniform Crime Report emerged in 1930 at a meeting of the International Association of Chiefs

This system collects data on every reported incident and arrests made in 22 criminal categories. The proposed changes included in the NIBR are as follows, law enforcement must provide a summary of the incident to include all pertinent information of the victims and offenders. Reporting of both Part I and Part II criminal offenses and characteristics of the person arrested are required. Distinguish between attempted vs. completed offenses and who or what is the offense against. Finally, make data readily available in addition to constantly monitoring for errors in the system (Hagan, 2006, p. 36). Although, implementation of this system is expected to close the gap of the concerns with the initial UCR, as of 2015, only 33 states were certified to use this system, however, of those certified they may or may not use all of their agencies to report data. The data provided by both the UCR and NIBR depict the number of juvenile arrests, but does not account for all criminal acts committed, such as unreported crime. For this criminologist, must rely on additional research

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) emerged in 1973 as an improved assessment of criminal offenses, victims, and the trends related. One on the most notable reasons for this was in order to address the issue of non-reported crimes amongst other concerns. The survey is conducted each year by the U.S. Bureau of the Census only to individuals 12 years of age and older. Currently is the primary source information on the frequency of victimization suffered by individuals and/or their households. Missing data of other crimes not initially assessed led to changes that were incorporated in 1993, to include information of offenses such as: rape, sexual assault, personal robbery, aggravated and simple assault household burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft (Siegel & Welsh, 2015, p. 45). More changes followed in the methodology on the NCVS as an approach to solidify its accuracy by implementing new sampling methods and computer based technology for increased flow and confidentiality of