Security Update: Report Data Improves
Submitted by TMCC Security Committee
The Houston Police Department recently migrated from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The shift aims to improve the overall quality of crime data by adding more crime types and better documentation of multiple offenses occurring within a single incident. For example, burglary and resulting theft of property would have previously been counted as one burglary incident. Under the NIBRS it will be counted as two separate incidents. Other incidents not previously reported, such as intimidation, will also now be included.
While the change in data granularity is welcomed, comparing data from 2018 and prior to that of 2019 will be like comparing the proverbial apple to the orange. It will be quite possible to see a decrease in crime but an increase in reported incidents. Please note historical crime rates under the UCR were used for historical crime stats published on our website.