Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Crimes Project: Preliminary Steps to Establish Statewide Collection of Data

• NCJ Number: 106733
• Author(s): D Peri; D Freshour
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 19 pages
• Corporate Author: California Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report outlines the preliminary steps for establishing a statewide information center to receive and evaluate information relating to crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation (RERC).

Abstract

The report includes a summary of the pilot project methodology, a summary of issues pertaining to RERC data collection, recommendations mandated by the legislation, and a program model. The pilot project involved eight law enforcement agencies in collecting data on defined RERC offenses using the project data collection vehicle and procedures. Staff analyzed the data to develop a program model. Issues pertaining to data collection are limitations inherent in collecting RERC data, training to reduce these limitations and to increase data uniformity and accuracy, and the analysis of RERC data. Recommendations pertain to the appropriate State agency to implement and coordinate statewide collection of RERC data, appropriate collection means, uniform definitions and guidelines, and data collection funding. The program model addresses specific data elements to be collected and stored in a centralized file. The report recommends legislation to implement statewide collection of RERC data as recommended in the program model. Appendixes contain the enabling bill (2080), data cards, coding elements, and 5 references.