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Assessing Indicators of Crime Among International Crime Data Series

NCJ Number
122144
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 28-47
Author(s)
W S W Huang; C F Wellford
Date Published
1989
Length
21 pages
Annotation
To examine the reporting consistency of national crime statistics collected by five international crime data series, definitions of indicators of crime are first compared to test hypothesized relationships for pairs of series.
Abstract
The 1970 and 1980 series data are analyzed to assess the degree and level of correspondence between series, taking into account the similarities and differences of crime definition. Regression analysis suggests that data on murder and robbery form a reliable base for cross-national consistency of reports in the categories of assault, sex offenses, and theft. It is concluded that if cross-national indicators of crime are narrowly defined consistent with national crime codes, then data can be reliably reported by most countries. 2 figures, 5 tables, 35 references. (Author abstract modified)