International Crime Data

In the article Measuring and Comparing Crime in and Across Nations the major points discussed are the background of crime data both diversely and globally, the limitations of crime data, and how international crime data compares. The author Harry Dammer discusses the different applications of how data in the United States is collected but more importantly how other systems are utilized in the international fight against crime. The beginning of crime data collection begins with various agencies that collect, compare, and publish findings. It explains the history of how collecting international crime data became important to the agency known as the United Nations (UN). Later, the UN transitioned responsibility to the International Crime Police Organization or Interpol. Currently, the task rests with the United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operation of Criminal Justice Systems (UNCJS). The article continues by discussing how many ways crime can be collected, but more
precisely, which is most effective. The first type administered by the United States is the Uniform Crime Report (UCR).
The author then explains the new agency in charge of surveying crime data as," an updated version of the UCR called the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)" (Dammer, 2006, p 21). Then he explains where the information comes from. Dammer states," It is collected by over 16, 000 city, county, and law enforcement agencies" (Dammer, 2006, p 20). This method gives agencies an insight into the incidence of each crime committed. Another survey used in the United States is the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) which helps acquire estimates of unreported crime. Self-reported surveys are also used by giving citizens anonymous questioners to complete. The information is then compiled to acquire how many victimless crimes are committed and not reported to authorities. After all information is collected from various sources, it is sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for
publication.
The article continues to explore other early criminal data surveys distributed by the UN, Interpol, and other countries such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It indicated that as each nation grew it became apparent that crime was a global problem. Countries began to take action by creating their own International Crime Victim Survey's. Currently, all the information collected is published openly for the international community for them to research what problems exist and what works best to combat these crimes. After completing the article I noticed reoccurring problems that were common among all of the surveys. First, in surveys such as the self-reported questionnaire's people could lie, forget information, or not report crime because of fear of criminals or police retaliation. Second, and most importantly other crimes that go on in business can affect the global economy. In the book, Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections, it explains crimes such as white collar crime is mostly undetected. The author Dean Champion states, "Crime conducted in the course of one's occupation, is handled internally and not reported" (Champion, 2005, pg 8). If that is true, then there are many criminals in "big business" that get away without penalties. It is my opinion, that because these crimes are not public and affect so many people it should be one of the priorities of international agencies when collecting crime data in the global fight against crime.