Some question the accuracy of the data due to the lack of use of new reporting system for law enforcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its annual crime report this week, documenting a reduction in violent crime and an increase in hate crimes during 2023. Over 85 percent of the FBI’s data is from more than 16,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, which shows that murder and non-negligent manslaughter decreased by 11.6 percent, the largest annual decrease in 20 years. Reports of rape also dropped by around 9.4 percent.
Reports of hate crimes rose by 2 percent, increasing from 11,862 in 2022 to 11,634 in 2023. However, an FBI official said this may be more appropriately attributed to an increased likelihood for law enforcement agencies to report hate crimes rather than pointing to an increase in hate crimes themselves. They noted, “This may not reflect the true direction of hate crime.”
Some law and crime data experts have questioned the accuracy of the findings of overall crime since the FBI transitioned law enforcement agencies to use the bureau’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). In 2021, the FBI required the use of the new system for submitting crime data, but roughly 40 percent of law enforcement agencies did not use it due to the burden the detailed nature of NIBRS placed on resources.
The FBI claims that 73 percent of agencies used the system in 2023, with 12 percent submitting data more traditionally and the remainder submitting none.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Wray and FBI officials as they collect and assess the crime data.
- For federal, state, and local law enforcement as they report and submit agency incidents and statistics.
- For the safety of police officers and officials as they seek to serve and protect.
Sources: Reuters, Fox News
