Assessing Indicators Of Crime Among International Crime Data Series

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Abstract
Definitions of indicators of crime reported by five international data series are first compared to test hypothesized relationships for pairs of series. Subsequently, data from each series in 1970 and 1980 are analyzed to assess the degree and level of correspondence between series, taking into account the similarities and differences of crime definition. The results of a regression analysis suggest that data on murder and robbery constitute a reliable base for cross-national consistency of reports on the categories of assault, sex offenses and theft. The results suggest that if cross-national indicators of crime are narrowly defined consistent with national crime codes, data can be reliably reported by most countries.