Utilizing the National Incident-Based Reporting System to Further Our Understanding of Farm-related Theft

• In Event: Farm Victimization

Abstract

Research regarding farm-related theft—though relatively scant in comparison to other criminal acts—has been the focus of several scholars in recent years. Their work has done much to advance our understanding of the prevalence of victimization, factors that play a role in structuring it, and steps that can be taken to improve guardianship over equipment, livestock and other at-risk property. With that said, the majority of these studies rely upon data attained from small samples of farmers located in limited geographic areas. The current study attempts to provide a framework for complementing this research via macro-level investigations utilizing data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). NIBRS is a national-level dataset managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and contains detailed incident-specific information regarding various types of property theft. Forms relevant to the current topic include the theft of farm equipment, livestock and crops. The current study addresses the quality of the data available for these offenses, the manner in which NIBRS can be used to advance our understanding of them, and several limitations that must be addressed when doing so.

Authors

• Dustin L Osborne, East Tennessee State University

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville

• Andrew Stover, East Tennessee State University