Use Official Data!

Don’t just google it! Search engines do not reliably produce the information you want. Commonly the top returns are sites that use algorithms to “scrape” the Internet for information, without any humans to check the info. Sponsored returns are at the top and companies “self preference” (e.g., google wants you to look at their sites first). It’s a mess! Your taxes pay for government agencies to collect and disseminate information—use it!

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Bureau of Justice Statistics

Official Estimates of Crime Victimization

NCVS N-Dash

Most crime (except motor vehicle theft) is not reported to the police. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (part of the U.S. Department of Justice) is the primary statistical agency for the Department of Justice. They field a survey each year to gauge how much crime actually occurred. They have been doing this since 1973. Their estimates have been limited in the past to national estimates, however, they have recently started making estimates for some of the large states. Their data tool, N-Dash, is limited as of this writing. They produce many reports on topics, particularly those covered by their ongoing data collection programs, and those for which grant funds were allocated. Topics range quite a bit from PREA (prison rape) data, recidivism studies, opioid screening, such as

Non-Government Organizations

There are some reputable non-government sources such as think tanks and also some advocacy organizations that provide reports on special topics. We say “sort of” not government because they commonly rely on government grants to conduct their research and produce reports. These are sometimes excellent sources of information, particularly when the government has failed to look closely into an important issue, or their data are slow in coming. The best of these organizations hire trained PhD researchers to direct research and analyze data. Always take care: when you describe information from these sources, though. They usually formed around particular views and wants. Some of them begin with the idea “here is what I want to prove” and provide information for that purpose. Cite them carefully, and consider providing a disclaimer (e.g., “a national lobbying organization for….” or “a left-learning think tank”).

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