Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System: A Test of Interrater Reliability

• NCJ Number: 241680
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 39 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 607-619
• Author(s): Brent Snook; Kirk Luther; John C. House; Paul J. Taylor; Craig Bennell
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested the interrater reliability of an internationally renowned crime linkage systemthe Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS).

Abstract

The interrater reliability of an internationally renowned crime linkage systemthe Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS)was tested. Police officers (N = 10) were presented with a case file and asked to complete a ViCLAS booklet. The level of occurrence agreement between each officer was calculated. Results showed a 30.77 percent level of agreement across the 106 variables examined. Agreement ranged from 2.36 percent for weapon variables to 62.87 percent for administration variables. Only 11 (10.38 percent) of the variables reached an acceptable level of agreement. Concerns pertaining to the validity of inferences produced using ViCLAS data are discussed, along with potential explanations for the findings, limitations of the study, and future research directions. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.