NCJ Number
174569
Date Published
1998
Length
49 pages
Annotation
Crime is discussed in terms of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, trends in violent and property crimes, the National Crime Survey, victimization among specific population groups, and victim services.
Abstract
The UCR program is a voluntary system established in 1930 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation serving as the national clearinghouse. More than 16,000 police agencies contribute crime statistics. Criminal justice professionals, legislators, and scholars with an interest in the crime problem make extensive use of UCR data. The National Crime Survey was established to measure both reported and unreported crimes. Victimization surveys generally confirm that groups disproportionately involved in the perpetration of crimes are also the groups most likely to be victimized. In addition, residents of central cities are much more vulnerable to crime victimization than people who live in nonmetropolitan areas or suburbs. Victim services are becoming increasingly available, and victims are having a larger role in the criminal justice system as a result of the research that has led to many of today's innovations. Figures, tables, photographs, discussion and review questions, notes, list of laws, and 44 references