Final answer:
Crime Statistics are compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the collection of data from local police agencies, mainly published in the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR). The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to improve the detail and accuracy of the data collected from 2021 onwards. The FBI also reports on specific crime data such as Hate Crime Statistics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crime Statistics are compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through data collected from local police agencies. The principal publication of this data is the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), which gathers information from about 17,000 law enforcement agencies. These reports provide a comprehensive dataset from police reports, although it's important to note that some crimes may go unreported for various reasons, such as victims' reluctance due to fear, shame, or distrust of police.
The data quality in UCR has been criticized for being inconsistent because of the varying approaches law enforcement agencies take in gathering victim data. To address these limitations and improve the detail and accuracy of crime data reported, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) was introduced. From 2021, law enforcement agencies are required to provide data for NIBRS, which includes more detailed information about each crime, fostering more data-informed discussions to improve crime prevention and policy.
Furthermore, the FBI also provides specific reports, like the Hate Crime Statistics. These reports, along with the comprehensive crime data, are essential for understanding crime trends and guiding law enforcement efforts.