What are some methods of collecting crime data? What are the strengths and weaknesses of these methods?
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There are two significant crime data collecting methods. The first method is the law enforcement reports, which reflect crimes that have already been reported, recorded, and ultimately canceled. The second method is the victim study. Victim studies rely on persons’ honesty and memory.
There are two significant crime data collecting methods. The first method is the law enforcement reports, which reflect crimes that have already been reported, recorded, and ultimately canceled. The second method is the victim study. Victim studies rely on persons’ honesty and memory. The reported incidents majorly work best for frequent offenses like armed robbery and intentional homicide. The United States has two major crime data collection programs i.e., the National Crime Victimization Survey and the Uniform Crime Reports.
The response rate of the two crime data collecting program mentioned above is top-notch. This helps the country to watch crime trends and timely make changes where needed. Crime data can help a government make a change in their law enforcement agencies; therefore, having a working and well-financed programs is vital to ensuring securing and crime deterrence.
Some of the challenges in collecting crime data include the coverage and time and resources. In terms of coverage, the united state is a large country, and limitation is on reported crimes only. However, non-reported crime is collected via the Victimization Survey. On the other hand, time and adequate resources are required to collect the data. Although the United States has the best crime data programs, a lot of resources and time is required.