Recent Developments in Modernizing the National Crime Victimization Survey Instruments

• In Event: National Crime Victimization Survey Users' Group

Abstract

This presentation will provide updates on the NCVS redesign efforts to increase the efficiency, reliability, and use of the NCVS. The current NCVS redesign efforts have been focused on the sample design, interview mode, and structure and content of the instruments. Some considerations for the redesigned NCVS include adding non-crime items, collecting new crime types, and collecting additional information about crime incidents. BJS and Westat have held several expert panel meetings with academic researchers and federal partners to inform changes in the NCVS, and cognitive testing has been conducted for new and revised portions of the NCVS instruments. This presentation will discuss findings from cognitive testing of non-crime items on measures of community safety and satisfaction with police, modified crime screeners, and new and modified items in the crime incident instrument. Other considerations such as mode of instrumentation, frequency of administration of new items, minimum age for administration of non-crime items, and plans for future testing will also be discussed.

Authors

• Jennifer Truman, Bureau of Justice Statistics

• Lynn Langton, Bureau of Justice Statistics