What is the significance of the comparisons between the results from the UCR and NCVS data?
One important aspect of the two sets of findings is that the similarity in the results for the 1990s means considerable confidence can be placed in the results. When both sets of data based on quite different methodologies indicate sharp decreases in the trend of violent crimes the results achieve greater credibility. Simply stated, it is unlikely that the “true” violent crime rate increased in the 1990s given the collaborating nature of the UCR and NCSV data.Another important aspect of the findings is that the similarity in the results has occurred in the past decade. One possible implication of this recent convergence is that the two ways of measuring are becoming more complementary and less contending because of their increasing precision. To the extent this suggestion has validity, the prospect brightens for knowing more exactly the trend in violent offenses. Consequently, it will be important to see the degree of correspondence in the two sets of crime rates over the next decade.
