Ch.2 crim justice

What is the purpose of data in criminal justice?

To shape public policy, analyze existing programs, create new programs, plan new laws, and develop funding requests.

What are the primary sources of crime data?

Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), offender self-reports, and other regular publications.

When did the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) begin?

In 1930.

How many police agencies provide data for the UCR?

Approximately 16,000 police agencies.

What does the UCR Crime Index include?

Part I offenses, which consist of violent crimes and property crimes.

What are the categories of violent crime in the UCR?

Murder, rape, robbery, and assault.

What is the definition of murder according to the UCR?

The unlawful killing of a human being by another, including all willful and unlawful homicides.

What is the clearance rate in the context of crime?

The number of crimes solved divided by the number of crimes committed, based on arrests.

What is the most common weapon used in murders?

Firearms.

What distinguishes a spree killer from a serial killer?

A spree killer commits multiple murders over a period without a cooling-off period, while a serial killer does so over separate events and time.

What is forcible rape defined as?

The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.

Why is forcible rape considered one of the most underreported crimes?

Victims may fear police ineffectiveness, embarrassment, reprisal, and further victimization through court proceedings.

What is the definition of robbery?

The unlawful taking or attempted taking of property in the immediate possession of another by force or violence.

What percentage of robbery arrests are male?

90%.

What is aggravated assault?

The unlawful inflicting of serious injury upon another person, including attempted assaults with deadly weapons.

What types of burglaries are recognized?

Forcible entry, unlawful entry without force, and attempted forcible entry.

What is larceny-theft?

The unlawful taking or attempted taking of property from another's possession, excluding motor vehicle thefts.

What is identity theft?

A crime where an imposter obtains key personal information to commit fraud in the victim's name.

What is the definition of motor vehicle theft?

The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.

What is arson defined as?

The burning or attempted burning of property, with or without intent to defraud.

What are Part II offenses?

Less serious offenses than Part I, including simple assault, DUI, prostitution, vandalism, and fraud.

What is the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS)?

A system started by the FBI in 1989 to enhance crime data collection, analysis, and publication.

What is the clearance rate for arson?

16%.

What is the average loss from arson incidents?

$11,098.

What is the most common type of arson?

The burning of structures.

What demographic is most at risk for murder?

Individuals aged 20-24.

What does NIBRS stand for?

National Incident Based Reporting System

What does NIBRS replace?

The old Part I and Part II offenses with 22 general offenses

What type of data does NIBRS collect?

Data on the nature of the disposition of the complaint and 22 general offenses

What is the NCVS?

National Crime Victimization Survey

When did the NCVS begin operation?

1972

What is the purpose of the NCVS?

To measure the 'dark figure' of crime based on victim self-reports

How many households are surveyed by the NCVS each year?

More than 50,000 households surveyed twice per year

What major crimes does the NCVS include data on?

Robbery, assault, burglary, personal and household larceny, motor vehicle theft, and rape

What percentage of households are affected by crime according to NCVS statistics?

15% of all households

What is the 'dark figure of crime'?

The amount of crime that goes unreported or undetected

What are some problems associated with the UCR?

Not everyone reports crimes, some crimes are rarely reported, inaccuracies from victims, and bureaucratic influences

What is a crime typology?

A classification of crimes along a particular dimension, such as legal categories or offender motivation

Name a special category of crime.

Hate crime, corporate crime, organized crime, drug crime, etc.

What is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)?

An act seeking to eliminate violence against women and provide funding for victim support services

What is the primary demographic of stalking victims?

80% of stalking victims are women

How do elderly crime victims differ from younger victims?

Elderly victims are more likely to be victims of property crime and face armed offenders

What defines a hate crime?

Crimes motivated by hatred, bias, or prejudice based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation

What percentage of hate crime incidents reported in 2004 were motivated by race?

52.5%

What is corporate crime?

A violation of a criminal statute by a corporate entity or its representatives

What is white-collar crime?

Nonviolent crime for financial gain committed by individuals in their professional capacity

What is organized crime?

Unlawful activities of a highly organized group engaged in supplying illegal goods and services

What is the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act?

An act requiring a 5-day waiting period and background checks before purchasing a handgun

What is the trend in drug-related crime since 1975?

The rate of drug-related crime has more than tripled

What is cybercrime?

Any crime perpetrated through the use of computer technology

What is cyberterrorism?

Terrorism that uses high technology, especially computers and the Internet

What factors may influence future crime trends?

Population demographics, immigration effects, economic conditions, and gun availability