Workshop: How to use the BJS LEARCAT and NIBRS Extracts to Answer your Questions about Crime
This Bureau of Justice Statistics workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and how researchers, analysts, and the public can access and use its data. The session gives an overview of NIBRS, its evolution over time, and demonstrates two key resources: the NIBRS extract files and the Law Enforcement Agency Reported Crime Analysis Tool (LEARCAT). Key topics include:
- The evolution of crime reporting from summary statistics to detailed incident-level data
- Understanding the nested structure of NIBRS data and how extract files make analysis easier
- How to access and use NIBRS extract files for detailed statistical analysis
- Navigating LEARCAT for quick data queries without specialized software
- Data quality considerations, including agency reporting patterns and population coverage
- Creating custom crime statistics at local, county, and state levels
- Understanding victim characteristics, offense details, and clearance outcomes
Disclaimer:
Opinions or points of view expressed in these recordings represent those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any commercial products and manufacturers discussed in these recordings are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.