1.2 Chapter 2 Question 3
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Jenkins 1
Colette Jenkins
Introduction to Criminal Justice – LAWE 1100
Professor Samantha Bowlin
25 August 2023
1.2 Chapter 2 Question 3
3. How does the NCVS differ from the UCR/NIBRS? Which program would you regard as more reliable? Why?
The NCVS differs from the UCR/NIBRS in several different ways. One of the biggest differences is how the data and statistics are collected. According to our textbook the NCVS is based on self-reporting through surveys and interviews through the U.S. Census Bureau (which often includes unreported crimes) rather than police reports. Another difference is the NCVS does not include data for murder, kidnapping, victimless crimes, arson or crimes against minors under the age of twelve. Another important difference is the definitions of certain crimes can vary between the two programs and that the NCVS uses a hierarchical counting system which only takes into account the most serious crimes committed against a person, whereas UCR/NIBRS
collects data regarding every crime committed during that individual occurrence.
I think the UCR/NIBRS program is more reliable than the NCVS. Since NCVS is self-
reported individuals can misreport, misinterpret, or misrepresent the information that they are giving without any of it being verified or investigated. Also, UCR/NIBRS includes crimes that are classified as Group A or Group B offenses and also includes crimes against all ages unlike the NCVS which excludes certain offenses and any crimes against a person who is under 12. In
Jenkins 2
addition, since crimes within the UCR/NIBRS program are reported and investigated by law enforcement obtaining, verifying, and tracking a lot more information about the crime(s), the suspect(s), the clearance rate and the outcomes are improved and more reliable when tracking patterns and changes within certain areas.
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