Section 1.3: Measuring Crime
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Learning Resources
| Learning Objectives | |
| 1.3(a) | Name and describe the three major national crime data-gathering programs in the United States today. |
| 1.3(b) | Discuss what crime statistics tell us about crime in the United States. |
| 1.3(c) | Describe the limitations of the three major national crime data-gathering programs in the United States today. |
| 1.3(d) | Describe the FBI’s Crime Index, and list the Index Crimes. |
| 1.3(e) | Define crime rate and explain why crime statistics are generally expressed as rates rather than counts or percentages. |
| 1.3(f) | Define the hierarchy rule and explain how it impacts crime reporting. |
| 1.3(g) | Discuss the meaning of the term clearance rate and describe how it is different than the crime rate. |
| 1.3(h) | Describe the development of the NIBRS, and identify why it is superior to the UCR. |
| 1.3(i) | Compare and contrast the purpose and data collection methods of the NIBRS with the NCVS. |
| 1.3(j) | List and define each of the Part I offenses as used in the UCR. |
Slide Presentations
For the Classroom: INTRO-Section-1-3-presentation
For Printing: INTRO-Section-1-3-print
Present from the web:
Key Terms
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- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Burglary
- Common Law Felonies
- Criminal Homicide
- Dark Figure of Crime
- Felon
- Forcible Rape
- Index Offenses
- Larceny-theft
- Mala In Se
- Mala Prohibita
- Misdemeanant
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
- National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)
- Omission
- Rate
- Robbery
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)
- Victimless Crime
- Violation
Download a Printable Vocabulary Study Guide [PDF]: Intro_Section_1.3
In your more advanced courses and in your future career, your understanding of many technical and legal terms will be taken for granted. It is vital that you take the time to really understand the terms presented at the end of each section of this course. We’ve gone to great lengths to provide you with assistance in mastering this vocabulary. Don’t forget that there is an extensive glossary that defines all of the bold terms that you will encounter in your reading. In addition, the vocabulary for each section has been made available on a very useful website called Cram.com. This site has a wide selection of flashcards for you to study, memorize, test yourself on, and more. Cram also has a large app store so you can find other mobile flashcards for your Android, iPhone or Windows device, allowing you to take your flashcards on the go. There are even games that add some fun to learning important terms.
Study Flashcards for this vocabulary on Cram.com.
Study Flashcards for the Part I Offenses on Cram.com.
Last Updated: 04/21/2021