DATA REASONABLENESS 2003

  Data is reviewed for possible errors or problems.   Some issues are common sense.   Data is compared to national norms and past data submissions.   Just because something is marked for review does not mean it is wrong.   The purpose of data review is to maintain data quality.   Data is reviewed for possible errors or problems.   Some issues are common sense.   Data is compared to national norms and past data submissions.   Just because something is marked for review does not mean it is wrong.   The purpose of data review is to maintain data quality. So…what is Data Reasonableness?

Common Problems   Disorderly Conduct or Assault?   Reporting Hate/Bias Crimes   Multiple Offense Incidents   Burglary   Property Classifications   Assaults w/weapons/injuries   Victim to Offender Relationships   Other Reasonableness Issues   Disorderly Conduct or Assault?   Reporting Hate/Bias Crimes   Multiple Offense Incidents   Burglary   Property Classifications   Assaults w/weapons/injuries   Victim to Offender Relationships   Other Reasonableness Issues

Offense Classification  FBI Offense Definitions vs. Statutory Offense Definitions  Reporting to NIBRS – must use standard national offense definitions to determine offense classification.  FBI Offense Definitions vs. Statutory Offense Definitions  Reporting to NIBRS – must use standard national offense definitions to determine offense classification.

Disorderly Conduct or Assault? If a person is charged with Disorderly Conduct, and an assault occurred, the crime must be classified as Simple or Aggravated Assault (depending upon the circumstances), regardless of the criminal charges.

Hate/Bias Crime “ A criminal offense committed against a person or property, which is motivated in whole or in part by the offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnicity/national origin, or sexual orientation. Also known as a hate crime.” “ A criminal offense committed against a person or property, which is motivated in whole or in part by the offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnicity/national origin, or sexual orientation. Also known as a hate crime.” FBI Definition:

Burglary   Time The EARLIEST possible time!   Location make sure you select the correct location.   Forcible/Non Forcible Entry Read the narrative! Entry through an unlocked door or window = Non Forcible.   Time The EARLIEST possible time!   Location make sure you select the correct location.   Forcible/Non Forcible Entry Read the narrative! Entry through an unlocked door or window = Non Forcible.

Burglary and Larceny – One Incident   Reasonable or not?   Possible but not probable. Larceny is an element of burglary.   Property taken should be reported as part of the burglary.   A larceny would only occur if property were taken outside the burglary.   A bicycle left in the front yard is taken by the offender when he leaves. No illegal entry occurred during the theft of the bicycle. A larceny offense would also be reported in the incident.   Reasonable or not?   Possible but not probable. Larceny is an element of burglary.   Property taken should be reported as part of the burglary.   A larceny would only occur if property were taken outside the burglary.   A bicycle left in the front yard is taken by the offender when he leaves. No illegal entry occurred during the theft of the bicycle. A larceny offense would also be reported in the incident.

Multiple Offense Incidents   You can report up to 10 Group A offenses per each Group A incident.   Be sure to report all applicable offenses per each incident.   You can report up to 10 Group A offenses per each Group A incident.   Be sure to report all applicable offenses per each incident.

Does the data on this card appear to be reasonable? _________ Does the data on this card appear to be reasonable? _________ YES

NO Does the data on this card appear to be reasonable? _________ Does the data on this card appear to be reasonable? _________

When compared to previous data, the number of Murders is unreasonably high.

Property Value Does everything in your jurisdiction cost one dollar?

You be the Judge: Property Value New 19” Color TV Value: $1.00 Reasonable or not? 1999 Corvette Value: $1.00 Reasonable or not? New 19” Color TV Value: $1.00 Reasonable or not? 1999 Corvette Value: $1.00 Reasonable or not?

Other Reasonableness Issues   Attempted/Completed Always completed?   Classification of Offenses and Property Use your manual! Call your contact if you have questions.   Attempted/Completed Always completed?   Classification of Offenses and Property Use your manual! Call your contact if you have questions.

Property Classifications Can you classify the theft of a 747 jet liner as Shoplifting? You be the Judge:

Property Classifications You be the Judge: Well… probably not.

Assaults   Always aggravated?   Weapon Type: Always a firearm?   Always aggravated?   Weapon Type: Always a firearm?

Assaults Reasonable or not? In 2001/2002 a total of 98 Aggravated Assaults were reported with no injury or weapon by Tennessee Agencies. You be the Judge:

Simple Assaults Reasonable or not? Possible but not probable. A simple assault is usually some type of physical attack and almost always will require at least the use of personal weapons – fist, hands, and feet. Reasonable or not? Possible but not probable. A simple assault is usually some type of physical attack and almost always will require at least the use of personal weapons – fist, hands, and feet. Simple Assaults without any injury or weapon?

Victim to Offender Relationships Reasonable or not? Not Reasonable! By definition of incest, the relationship must be family. Reasonable or not? Not Reasonable! By definition of incest, the relationship must be family. Is it reasonable to have a victim of incest with a relationship to the offender of “acquaintance”?

Victim Age Reasonable or not? Not Reasonable! Incest is a non-violent sex offense per FBI definition and is predicated on the fact that the victim is old enough to make an informed decision. Because this victim is only 8, the classification would be a forcible sex offense. The specific offense would be based on the circumstances. Reasonable or not? Not Reasonable! Incest is a non-violent sex offense per FBI definition and is predicated on the fact that the victim is old enough to make an informed decision. Because this victim is only 8, the classification would be a forcible sex offense. The specific offense would be based on the circumstances. Is it reasonable to have the victim of incest be 8 years old?

Shoplifting Victim Reasonable or not? Is it reasonable to have the victim of shoplifting be an individual? Not Reasonable! The victim of shoplifting should be a business!

Robbery Victim Not Reasonable! A confrontation between the offender and an individual must occur. The bank or business will also be a victim. Is it reasonable to have the victim of a robbery be a financial institution only? Reasonable or Not?

Vehicle Thefts You can not determine the number by type if using the standard NIBRS property segment. There is only one field for entry of number of vehicles and then the different vehicle types are entered as type of property stolen. You can not determine the number by type if using the standard NIBRS property segment. There is only one field for entry of number of vehicles and then the different vehicle types are entered as type of property stolen. Four vehicles are stolen. The types are truck and automobile. How can you determine the number of each type stolen?

Common Issues

Now What?   The problems are identified – so what do you do to prevent it and correct the issues?   Agency Notification – to correct problems and discuss with officers   Training – incorporated into our training   16 hours per year required   The problems are identified – so what do you do to prevent it and correct the issues?   Agency Notification – to correct problems and discuss with officers   Training – incorporated into our training   16 hours per year required

Now What?   Auditing – On-site audits are conducted at every agency once every 3 years   On-Line Reports – Agencies have access to a copy of our database   DQ Reports are available at the web site so agencies can identify their problems quickly   Auditing – On-site audits are conducted at every agency once every 3 years   On-Line Reports – Agencies have access to a copy of our database   DQ Reports are available at the web site so agencies can identify their problems quickly

Summary   Data Reasonableness is a necessary component of ensuring data quality.   Informing agencies of specific reasonableness issues will allow the reporting of more accurate data.   Data Reasonableness is a necessary component of ensuring data quality.   Informing agencies of specific reasonableness issues will allow the reporting of more accurate data.

Questions?

Contact Information Jackie Vandercook (615) Web site: For manuals, training schedules, etc. Jackie Vandercook (615) Web site: For manuals, training schedules, etc.

Thank You!