Core Sources
- Uniform Crime Reports - FBI - Crime in the United StatesGovDocs J 1.14/7:2003 (note: print title is Crime in the United States 2009)
The data behind these reports are reported by local public safety and law enforcement agencies. The crimes reported are limited to index crimes: murder, rape, robbery, aggrivated assault, burblary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Statistics gathered from the Uniform Crime Reporting system are published in Crime in the United States and other annual publications, many of which are available from this site and in paper. - Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics - BJSThis compendium is a great place to start looking for data as it collects information from over 100 sources. Because it collects data already published by other agencies, the data may not be the most up-to-date. However, this source can be used to identify the source of data collection from which one can then go to find updated information. Nevertheless, the online version of the Sourcebook is updated regularly throughout the year.
- Bureau of Justice StatisticsFind quick reports on crime and victim statistics, and information about law enforcement, criminal offenders, and the justice system.
- National Criminal Justice Reference ServiceAnother way to search for information, this site is aimed at helping people sort through the various sources of federal justice statistics.
Other Places to Look
Take cues from the literature you already have for possible data sources. Early on, search the following resources, which will either lead you directly to data or will give you vital information about who collects the type of data you need.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new windowThis compendium of statistics produced by the U.S. government contains basic tables summarizing the vast amount of data collected by the government. Find a table here that is related to your topic and follow the cited source to identify which agency collects the data you need. Also available in print in the Ready Reference collection at C 3.134: 2009.
- ProQuest Statistical Insight This link opens in a new windowSearch summaries of statistical publications, then link to the full-text of selected publications on Statistical Universe and government Web sites. This comprehensive database includes the three major statistical indexes (American Statistics Index, Statistical Reference Index, and Index to International Statistics).
- Hall of JusticeNearly 10,000 crime datasets from all 50 states, D.C. and the federal government in one place to search and browse.
More Sources
Specialized Sources
- Mapping and Analysis for Public SafetyStart with this site if you are interested in mapping crime data.
- EveryBlockBrowse crimes or police calls for service by location in these cities: Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The creators of this site take government data and use Google Maps to create this non-official "alternative view of public record that is available elsewhere.
- Death Penalty Information CenterThis site is a searchable database of executions in the United States since 1976, presented by a non-profit organization promoting research on the death penalty. Query the database to search executions by year, age, race of person executed, race of victim, gender of person executed, state, region, method of execution, and special factors.
