Reading Assignment for Section 1.3

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1.3: Measuring Crime.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll discover the three major national crime data-gathering programs in the U.S. and what crime statistics reveal about crime trends. You’ll learn about the limitations of these programs, understand the FBI’s Crime Index, and delve into key concepts like crime rate, the hierarchy rule, and clearance rate. Additionally, you’ll explore the development of the NIBRS, its advantages over the UCR, and the differences between the NIBRS and NCVS.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1.3

• SLO 1: Name and describe the three major national crime data-gathering programs in the United States today.
• SLO 2: Discuss what crime statistics tell us about crime in the United States.
• SLO 3: Describe the limitations of the three major national crime data-gathering programs in the United States today.
• SLO 4: Describe the FBI’s Crime Index, and list the Index Crimes.
• SLO 5: Define crime rate and explain why crime statistics are generally expressed as rates rather than counts or percentages.
• SLO 6: Define the hierarchy rule and explain how it impacts crime reporting.
• SLO 7: Discuss the meaning of the term clearance rate and describe how it is different than the crime rate.
• SLO 8: Describe the development of the NIBRS, and identify why it is superior to the UCR.
• SLO 9: Compare and contrast the purpose and data collection methods of the NIBRS with the NCVS.
• SLO 10: List and define each of the Part I offenses as used in the UCR.