Final answer:
Crime data in the U.S. is collected via the UCR, involving reports from law enforcement agencies, and the NCVS, which uses self-report surveys. Both have limitations in accuracy and scope, and the NIBRS aims to improve upon these by providing more detailed information about crime incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The collection of crime data in the United States is conducted primarily through the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). The UCR is an annual publication that collates crime reports from around 17,000 law enforcement agencies, while the NCVS gathers self-report data on the frequency and types of crime experienced by about 160,000 individuals in the U.S. annually.
Neither system captures the full extent of crime, as UCR often misses unreported incidents and NCVS can be influenced by factors such as inaccurate recall or omission of certain populations (e.g., those without phones). Furthermore, the NCVS can provide a detailed examination of crime that includes consequences, relationships between victim and offender, and substance abuse involved.
Public perception of crime, however, is often believed to be worse than it is—a belief potentially exacerbated by media portrayal and crime series. This is despite statistics showing a decline in violent and gun-related crimes since the early 1990s. The forthcoming National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is expected to provide even more detailed data to enhance crime prevention and policing efforts.