Improving the Collection and Reporting of Arrest Data in the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

• In Event: Policing Research Using Large Datasets

Abstract

There is little research on the reliability of arrest data in the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This presentation will provide updates on our research project based on a stratified random sample from NIBRS of 480 incidents of aggravated assault, simple assault, sexual assault and intimidation investigated by 165 local law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2013. We took the unique approach to ask selected law enforcement agencies to collect data for incidents in our sample. We did so to be able to compare overall accuracy of their own data to the data reported for these incidents NIBRS. We will furthermore share results from our surveys and interviews on the usability of specific Record Management Systems for reporting the arrest data to NIBRS. We will also highlight training issues and recommendations police data administrators and crime analysts have to produce accurate and complete data files. We hope the outcomes of this research will help to inform the National Crime Statistics Exchange (NCS-X) projects and improve the use of crime statistics in criminal justice policy making.

Authors

• Alexander Wagner, Fisher College

• Ted Cross, University of Illinois

• Dan Bibel, Consultant

• Rosa Mazzeo, Fisher College