National Crime Victimization Survey

NCVS-550 (CAPI) (1/2012 revision to 7/2008 edition)

Part B, Chapter 4

Topic 2. Screen Layout and Instructions for
Items ONEORMOREOFFENDERS through ANYTHINGFURTHER

● Ask or verify:
Was the crime committed by only one or by more than one offender?
○ 1 Only one
○ 2 More than one
○ 3 Don't know
ONEORMOREOFFENDERS

ONEORMORE
OFFENDERS

Item ONEORMOREOFFENDERS is asked to find out if the
crime was committed by one offender or multiple offenders. If the
respondent has already told you how many offenders were
involved in the incident, you can verify this information with the
respondent instead of asking the question in Item
ONEORMOREOFFENDERS.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) when only one offender was involved in the
incident. The instrument continues with Item
SINGOFFENDERKNEW, which asks the respondent if they
knew the offender.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) when there were two or more offenders involved
in the incident. The instrument continues with Item
HOWMANYOFFENDERS.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent does not know whether there
was just one offender or more than one offender involved in the
incident. After entering Precode (3), continue with Item
KNOWOFFENDERS.

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Do you know anything about one of the offenders?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 No
KNOWOFFENDERS

KNOWOFFENDERS

Item KNOWOFFENDERS is used to determine whether the
respondent knows anything about the offender(s). You only
ask this question when the respondent does not know whether there
was one or more than one offender (“Don’t know” entered in
Item ONEORMOREOFFENDERS).
After entering Precode (1) for a “Yes” answer, continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERKNEW, which asks the respondent if they
knew the offender. After entering Precode (2) for a “No” answer,
continue with Item THEFT.

Was the offender someone you knew
or a stranger you had never seen before?
○ 1 Knew or had seen before
○ 2 Stranger
○ 3 Don’t know
SINGOFFENDERKNEW

SINGOFFENDERKNEW Item SINGOFFENDERKNEW is used to determine whether the
respondent knew the offender or had seen the offender in the past.
Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) if the offender knew or had seen the offender at
some time prior to the incident. After entering Precode (1),
continue with Item SINGOFFENDERHOWWELL.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) if the offender is a stranger to the respondent.
After entering Precode (2), the instrument continues with Item
SINGOFFENDERRECOG.
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Precode (3)

Part B, Chapter 4

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent does not know for sure whether
or not the offender is someone he/she knows or is a stranger. The
instrument continues with Item SINGOFFENDERRECOG.

Would you be able to recognize the offender if you saw him/her?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 Not sure (possibly or probably)
○ 3 No
SINGOFFENDERRECOG

SINGOFFENDERRECOG Item SINGOFFENDERRECOG is used to find out how certain
the respondent is that he/she could identify the offender if the
respondent saw the offender again.
Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) when the respondent is fairly sure that he/she
would recognize the offender if the respondent saw the offender
again. After entering Precode (1), continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERSIGHT.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) when the respondent thinks he/she might
recognize the offender if the respondent saw the person again, but
is not really certain. After entering Precode (2), continue with
Item SINGOFFENDERSIGHT.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) when the respondent knows that he/she could not
recognize the offender if the respondent saw the offender a
gain. After entering Precode (3), continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERGENDER.

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Part B, Chapter 4

How well did you know the offender - by sight only, casual acquaintance, or well known?
○ 1 Sight only
○ 2 Casual acquaintance
○ 3 Well known
SINGOFFENDERHOWWELL

SINGOFFENDERHOW
WELL

After a respondent has indicated in Item
SINGOFFENDERKNEW that he/she knew or had seen the
offender before the incident, then you ask the question in Item
SINGOFFENDERHOWWELL to find out how well the
respondent knew the offender. If the respondent does not answer
with one of the suggested choices, probe by repeating the options.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) if the respondent only remembers seeing the
offender previously. After entering Precode (1), you will continue
with Item SINGOFFENDERSIGHT.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) if the respondent knew the offender somewhat
and felt comfortable saying “Hello,” but did not necessarily know
his/her name. After entering Precode (2), you continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERRELATION.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent feels that he/she knew the
offender very well. Let the respondent make this decision. After
entering Precode (3), continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERRELATION.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Would you have been able to tell the police how they might find the offender, for instance,
where he/she lived, worked, went to school, or spent time?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 No
○ 3 Other - Specify
SINGOFFENDERSIGHT

SINGOFFENDERSIGHT Item SINGOFFENDERSIGHT is used to determine whether the
respondent has any information which may help the police find the
offender. The respondent's answer should be based on what he/she
knows about the offender, and NOT necessarily on what the
respondent actually told the police.
Enter Precode (1) for a “Yes” answer, Precode (2) for a “No”
answer, and Precode (3), “Other,” when you need to record more
than just a "Yes" or “No” answer. After entering Precode (3), make
sure to enter a description of the respondent's answer on the
SINGOFFENDERSIGHT_SPEC screen, which then appears.
When you complete Item SINGOFFENDERSIGHT,
continue with Item SINGOFFENDERGENDER.

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Part B, Chapter 4

How well did you know the offender?
For example, was the offender a friend, cousin, etc.?
RELATIVE:
○ 11 Spouse at time of incident
○ 12 Ex-spouse at time of incident
○ 13 Parent or step-parent
○ 14 Own child or step-child
○ 15 Brother/sister
○ 16 Other relative - specify
NONRELATIVE:
○ 17 Boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend
○ 18 Friend or ex-friend
○ 19 Roommate, boarder
○ 20 Schoolmate
○ 21 Neighbor
○ 22 Customer/client
○ 23 Patient
○ 24 Supervisor (current or former)
○ 25 Employee (current or former)
○ 26 Co-worker (current or former)
○ 27 Teacher/school staff
○ 28 Other nonrelative - Specify
SINGOFFENDERRELATION

SINGOFFENDER
RELATION

Item SINGOFFENDERRELATION is used to identify the
relationship between the respondent and the offender, when the
respondent indicates in Item SINGOFFENDERHOWWELL that
he/she was a casual acquaintance of the offender or knew the
offender very well (Precode (2) or (3) entered in Item
SINGOFFENDERHOWWELL). Always ask BOTH questions
in Item SINGOFFENDERRELATION to ensure that the
respondent identifies all types of relationships, not just relatives.
Enter only the first precode that applies to the respondent’s answer.
Notice that the answer categories are divided into two groups:
Precodes (11) through (16) cover relatives of the respondent and
Precodes (17) through (28) cover nonrelatives of the respondent.
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Precode (11)

Enter Precode (11) if the offender was the spouse of the respondent
(husband/wife) at the time of the incident, regardless of whether
they are currently married to each other.

Precode (12)

Enter Precode (12) if the offender was a former spouse
(husband/wife) of the respondent at the time of the incident.
Accept the respondent's answer and do not probe when the
respondent says “Ex-spouse” or “Former wife/husband.”

Precode (13)

Enter Precode (13) if the offender is the mother, father, stepmother, or step-father of the respondent. Precode (13) is not
intended for parents through marriage, which should be included in
Precode (16), “Other relative.” After entering Precode (16),
indicate the type of other relative on the “Specify” screen, such as
“father-in-law” or “mother-in-law.”

Precode (14)

Enter Precode (14) if the offender is a child of the respondent by
birth, adoption, or marriage, such as a son, daughter, step-son, or
step-daughter. Precode (14) is not intended for foster children;
instead enter Precode (28), “Other nonrelative,” and enter the
relationship on the “Specify” screen.

Precode (15)

Enter Precode (15) if the offender is a brother or sister of the
respondent or the child of a respondent's step-parent. Precode (15)
is not intended for “brothers-in-law” or “sisters-in-law.” Instead
enter Precode (16), “Other,” and enter the relationship on the
“Specify” screen.

Precode (16)

Enter Precode (16) if the offender was the respondent's aunt, uncle,
cousin, grandparent, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law,
brother-in-law, or any offender who is related to the respondent by
blood or marriage and is not described in Precodes (11) through
(15). After entering Precode (16), always enter the relationship on
the “Specify” screen, SINGOFFENDERRELATION_SPEC_16.

Precode (17)

Enter Precode (17) if the offender is a nonrelative who has or has
had romantic connections to the respondent. For example, the
offender and the respondent were dating at the time of the incident
or used to date before the incident.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Precode (18)

Enter Precode (18) if the offender is a male or female friend or past
friend of the respondent AND there is no romantic connection
between the two persons.

Precode (19)

Enter Precode (19) if the offender is a person who is NOT related
to the respondent, but was living with the respondent at the time of
the incident, such as a boarder or roommate. Precode (19) is not
intended for “live-in” boyfriends/girlfriends; instead, enter Precode
(17) for these situations.

Precode (20)

Enter Precode (20) if the offender attended the same school as the
respondent at the time of the incident AND is not related to the
respondent.

Precode (21)

Enter Precode (21) if the offender lives close enough to the
respondent to be considered a neighbor AND is not related to the
respondent.

Precodes (22), (23),
(24), (25), or (26)

Enter the most appropriate precode from Precodes (22),
(23), (24), (25), and (26) if the offender is a nonrelative, but is
known by the respondent as a business client, patient, or a
supervisor, employee, or co-worker, including former supervisors,
employees, and co-workers.

Precode (27)

Enter Precode (27) if the offender is a teacher or a school staff
member at the respondent’s school. If the respondent works at the
school, use the appropriate precode (24), (25), or (26).

Precode (28)

Enter Precode (28) if the respondent's answer does not fit any of
the other nonrelative relationships, but the offender is either well
known or a casual acquaintance. Enter the offender's relationship
to the respondent on the “Specify” screen,
SINGOFFENDERRELATION_SPEC_28, such as the
respondent's barber or financial planner.
Once you have completed Item SINGOFFENDERRELATION,
continue with Item SINGOFFENDERGENDER.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Was the offender male or female?
○ 1 Male
○ 2 Female
○ 3 Don't Know
SINGOFFENDERGENDER

SINGOFFENDER
GENDER

Item SINGOFFENDERGENDER is used to identify
whether the offender is male or female. Based on the respondent's
perception, enter Precode (1) for "Male," Precode (2) for "Female,"
or Precode (3) if the respondent does not know the offender's
gender. The instrument then goes to Item
SINGOFFENDERAGE.

How old would you say the offender was?
○ 1 Under 12
○ 2 12-14
○ 3 15-17
○ 4 18-20
○ 5 21-29
○ 6 30 or older
○ 7 Don't know
SINGOFFENDERAGE

SINGOFFENDERAGE

Item SINGOFFENDERAGE is used to identify the approximate
age of the offender based on the respondent's perception. If the
respondent seems unsure, ask the respondent to give you his/her
best estimate.
Each precode identifies a range of years, such as "Under 12" for
Precode (1), "12-14" for Precode (2), and so on. Enter the
appropriate precode based on the respondent's answer. If the
respondent is unable to give you even an estimated age for the
offender, enter Precode (7) for "Don't know." The instrument goes
to Item SINGOFFETHNICITY.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Was the offender Hispanic or Latino?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 No
○ 3 Don’t know
SINGOFFETHNICITY

SINGOFFETHNICITY

SINGOFFETHNICITY asks whether the offender was Hispanic
or Latino. Enter Precode (1) for a “Yes” response; Precode (2) for
“No,” or Precode (3) for “Don’t know.” The instrument then goes
to Item SINGOFFRACE.

What race or races was the offender? You may mark more than one. Was the offender...
 Enter all that apply, separate with commas.
○1 White?
○ 2 Black or African American?
○ 3 American Indian or Alaska Native?
○ 4 Asian?
○ 5 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander?
○ 6 Don’t know
SINGOFFRACE

SINGOFFRACE

Item SINGOFFRACE is used to record the offender’s race as
perceived by the respondent. Read the answer categories to the
respondent as part of the question. Do not read answer category
(6), “Don’t know.”
Enter Precode (1) for “White” and Precode (2) for “Black or
African American.” Enter Precode (3) for “American Indian or
Alaska Native.” Enter Precode (4) for “Asian.” Enter Precode (5)
for “Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.” Enter Precode (6)
“Don’t know,” if respondent cannot identify offender’s race.
After completing Item SINGOFFRACE, continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERGANG.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Was the offender a member of a street gang, or don't you know?
○ 1 Yes (a member of a street gang)
○ 2 No (not a member of a street gang)
○ 3 Don't know (if a member of a street gang)
SINGOFFENDERGANG

SINGOFFENDERGANG

Item SINGOFFENDERGANG is used to determine whether or
not the offender is a member of a street gang based on the
respondent's perception. Consider a street gang as a group of
people who associate regularly with one another, generally have a
leader or group of leaders who issue orders and reap the rewards of
the gang's activities, and often engage in anti-social or deviant
behavior.
Some ways to identify gang members are their "colors," clothing,
tattoos, brands, or imprints of the gang's name, logo, or other
identifying marks on their bodies.
Enter the appropriate precode based on the respondent's answer–
Precode (1) for "Yes," Precode (2) for "No," or Precode (3) for
"Don't know." The instrument then goes to
SINGOFFENDERDRINKDRUG.

Was the offender drinking or on drugs, or don't you know?
○ 1 Yes (drinking or on drugs)
○ 2 No (not drinking/not on drugs)
○ 3 Don't know (if drinking or on drugs)
SINGOFFENDERDRINKDRUG

SINGOFFENDER
DRINKDRUG

Item SINGOFFENDERDRINKDRUG is used to find out if the
offender was drinking alcoholic beverages or under the influence
of drugs during the incident. Enter the appropriate precode based
on what the respondent believes or knows.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Yes," if the offender was actively drinking or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
After entering Precode (1), continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "No," if the offender was not drinking or under
the influence of drugs or alcohol. After entering Precode (2),
continue with Item SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3), "Don't know," if the respondent could not tell if
the offender was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After
entering Precode (3), continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME.

Which was it? (Drinking or on drugs)?
○ 1 Drinking
○ 2 On drugs
○ 3 Both (drinking and on drugs)
○ 4 Drinking or on drugs - could not tell which
SINGOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG

SINGOFFENDERDRINK Item SINGOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG is used to distinguish
ORDRUG
between whether the offender was just drinking, just on drugs,
under the influence of BOTH alcohol and drugs, or perhaps the
respondent cannot distinguish between the two. After completing
Item SINGOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG, continue with Item
SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME.
Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Drinking," if the respondent thinks or knows
that the offender was under the influence of only alcohol during
the incident.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "On drugs," if the respondent thinks or knows
that the offender was under the influence of only drugs during the
incident.

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Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3), "Both," if the respondent thinks or knows that
the offender was under the influence of BOTH drugs and alcohol
during the incident.

Precode (4)

Enter Precode (4), "Drinking or on drugs," if the respondent thinks
or knows that the offender is under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, but cannot tell which one.

Was this the only time this offender committed a crime or made threats against you or your
household?
○ 1 Yes (only time)
○ 2 No (there were other times)
○ 3 Don't know
SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME

SINGOFFENDER
ONLYTIME

Item SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME is used to determine
whether the offender has ever committed any type of crime or
threatened to physically harm the respondent or another household
member, other than the current incident. For this question, do not
limit the respondent to crimes committed only during the 6-month
reference period.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Yes (only time)," if the respondent tells you
that the current incident is the only crime this offender has
committed against his/her household. Make sure that the
respondent understands we are interested in crimes committed by
this offender at ANY time prior to this incident.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "No (there were other times)," if the respondent
says that this offender did commit other crimes against the
respondent or other household members at ANY time prior to this
incident.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent does not really know whether
or not the offender has committed other crimes against the
household prior to this incident.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Once you have completed Item SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME,
continue with Item THEFT.
HOWMANY
OFFENDERS
through
MULTOFFENDER
ONLYTIME

Items HOWMANYOFFENDERS through
MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME are asked to collect the same
type of information for multiple offenders as Items
ONEORMOREOFFENDERS through
SINGOFFENDERONLYTIME collect for a single offender.
Notice that the age items for multiple offenders are handled
differently. For multiple offenders, the ages of the youngest and
oldest offenders are asked.

How many offenders?
● Enter number between 2-96
HOWMANYOFFENDERS

HOWMANY
OFFENDERS

Item HOWMANYOFFENDERS appears when the respondent
indicated in ONEORMOREOFFENDERS that there was more
than one offender. Enter the appropriate number as specified by the
respondent. The instrument then goes to
MULTOFFENDERKNEW.

Were any of the offenders known to you, or were they all strangers you had never seen before?
○
○
○
○

1 All known
2 Some known
3 All strangers
4 Don’t know

MULTOFFENDERKNEW

MULTOFFENDER
KNEW

Item MULTOFFENDERKNEW is used to determine whether the
respondent knew the offenders or had seen the offenders in the
past.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) if the respondent knew or had seen all the
offenders at some time prior to the incident. After entering Precode
(1), continue with Item MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) if the respondent knew or had seen some of the
offenders at some time prior to the incident. After entering Precode
(2), continue with Item MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent did not know or had not seen
any of the offenders at some time prior to the incident. After
entering Precode (3), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERRECOG.

Precode (4)

Enter Precode (4) if the respondent does not know for sure whether
or not the offenders are someone he/she knows or are strangers.
The instrument continues with Item MULTOFFENDERRECOG.

Would you be able to recognize any of them if you saw them?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 Not sure (possible or probably)
○ 3 No
MULTOFFENDERRECOG

MULTOFFENDER
RECOG

Item MULTOFFENDERRECOG is used to find out how certain
the respondent is that he/she could identify the offenders if the
respondent saw the offenders again.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) when the respondent is fairly sure that he/she
would recognize the offenders if the respondent saw the offenders
again. After entering Precode (1), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERSIGHT.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) when the respondent thinks he/she might
recognize the offenders if the respondent saw them again, but
is not really certain. After entering Precode (2), continue with
Item MULTOFFENDERSIGHT.
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Precode (3)

Part B, Chapter 4

Enter Precode (3) when the respondent knows that he/she could not
recognize the offenders if the respondent saw the offenders
again. After entering Precode (3), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERGENDER.

How well did you know the offenders – by sight only, casual acquaintance, or well known?
○ 1 Sight only
○ 2 Casual acquaintance
○ 3 Well known
MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL

MULTOFFENDER
HOWWELL

After a respondent has indicated in Item
MULTOFFENDERKNEW that he/she knew or had seen the
offenders before the incident, then you ask the question in Item
MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL to find out how well the
respondent knew the offenders. If the respondent does not answer
with one of the suggested choices, probe by repeating the options.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1) if the respondent only remembers seeing the
offenders previously. After entering Precode (1), continue
with Item MULTOFFENDERSIGHT.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2) if the respondent knew the offenders somewhat
and felt comfortable saying "Hello," but did not necessarily know
the offenders’ names. After entering Precode (2), continue with
Item MULTOFFENDERRELATION.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent feels that he/she knew the
offenders very well. Let the respondent make this decision. After
entering Precode (3), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERRELATION.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Would you have been able to tell the police how they might find any of them, for instance,
where they lived, worked, went to school, or spent time?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 No
○ 3 Other - Specify
MULTOFFENDERSIGHT

MULTOFFENDERSIGHT Item MULTOFFENDERSIGHT is used to determine whether the
respondent has any information which may help the police find the
offenders. The respondent's answer should be based on what
he/she knows about the offenders, and NOT necessarily on what
the respondent actually told the police.
Enter Precode (1) for a "Yes" answer, Precode (2) for a "No"
answer, and Precode (3), "Other," when you need to record more
than just a "Yes" or "No" answer. After entering Precode (3), make
sure to enter a description of the respondent's answer on the
MULTOFFENDERSIGHT_SPEC screen, which then appears.
When you complete Item MULTOFFENDERSIGHT,
continue with Item MULTOFFENDERGENDER.

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Part B, Chapter 4

How did you know them? For example, were they friends, cousins, etc.?
Probe: Anything else?
Enter all that apply, separate with commas.
RELATIVE:
○ 11 Spouse at time of incident
○ 12 Ex-spouse at time of incident
○ 13 Parent or step-parent
○ 14 Own child or step-child
○ 15 Brother/sister
○ 16 Other relative - specify
NONRELATIVE:
○ 17 Boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend
○ 18 Friend or ex-friend
○ 19 Roommate, boarder
○ 20 Schoolmate
○ 21 Neighbor
○ 22 Customer/client
○ 23 Patient
○ 24 Supervisor (current or former)
○ 25 Employee (current or former)
○ 26 Co-worker (current or former)
○ 27 Teacher/school staff
○ 28 Other nonrelative – Specify
MULTOFFENDERRELATION

MULTOFFENDER
RELATION

Item MULTOFFENDERRELATION is used to identify the
relationship between the respondent and the offenders, when the
respondent indicates in Item MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL
that he/she was a casual acquaintance of the offenders or knew the
offenders very well (Precode (2) or (3) entered in Item
MULTOFFENDERHOWWELL). Always ask BOTH questions
in Item MULTOFFENDERRELATION to ensure that the
respondent identifies all types of relationships, not just relatives.
Enter all that apply. Notice that the answer categories are divided
into two groups: Precodes (11) through (16) cover relatives of the
respondent and Precodes (17) through (28) cover nonrelatives of
the respondent.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Precode (11)

Enter Precode (11) if any offender was the spouse of the
respondent (husband/wife) at the time of the incident, regardless of
whether they are currently married to each other.

Precode (12)

Enter Precode (12) if any offender was a former spouse
(husband/wife) of the respondent at the time of the incident.
Accept the respondent's answer and do not probe when the
respondent says "Ex-spouse" or "Former wife/husband."

Precode (13)

Enter Precode (13) if any offender is the mother, father, stepmother, or step-father of the respondent. Precode (13) is not
intended for parents through marriage, which should be included in
Precode (16), "Other relative." After entering Precode (16),
indicate the type of other relative on the "Specify" screen, such as
"father-in-law" or "mother-in-law."

Precode (14)

Enter Precode (14) if any offender is a child of the respondent by
birth, adoption, or marriage, such as a son, daughter, step-son, or
step-daughter. Precode (14) is not intended for foster children;
instead enter Precode (28), "Other nonrelative," and enter the
relationship on the "Specify" screen.

Precode (15)

Enter Precode (15) if any offender is a brother or sister of the
respondent or the child of a respondent's step-parent. Precode (15)
is not intended for "brothers-in-law" or "sisters-in-law." Instead
enter Precode (16), “Other,” and enter the relationship on the
"Specify" screen.

Precode (16)

Enter Precode (16) if any offender was the respondent's aunt,
uncle, cousin, grandparent, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-inlaw, brother-in-law, or any offender who is related to the
respondent by blood or marriage and is not described in Precodes
(11) through (15). After entering Precode (16), always enter the
relationship on the "Specify" screen,
MULTOFFENDERRELATION_SPEC_16.

Precode (17)

Enter Precode (17) if any offender is a nonrelative who has or has
had romantic connections to the respondent; for example, if the
offender and the respondent were dating at the time of the incident
or used to date before the incident.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Precode (18)

Enter Precode (18) if any offender is a male or female friend or
past friend of the respondent AND there is no romantic connection
between the two persons.

Precode (19)

Enter Precode (19) if any offender is a person who is NOT related
to the respondent, but was living with the respondent at the time of
the incident, such as a boarder or roommate. Precode (19) is not
intended for "live-in" boyfriends/girlfriends; instead, enter Precode
(17) for these situations.

Precode (20)

Enter Precode (20) if any offender attended the same school as the
respondent at the time of the incident AND is not related to the
respondent.

Precode (21)

Enter Precode (21) if any offender lives close enough to the
respondent to be considered a neighbor AND is not related to the
respondent.

Precodes (22), (23),
(24), (25), or (26)

Enter the most appropriate precode from Precodes (22),
(23), (24), (25), and (26) if any offender is a nonrelative, but is
known by the respondent as a business client, patient, or a
supervisor, employee, or co-worker, including former supervisors,
employees, and co-workers.

Precode (27)

Enter Precode (27) if any offender is a teacher or a school staff
member at the respondent’s school. If the respondent works at the
school, use the appropriate precode (24), (25), or (26).

Precode (28)

Enter Precode (28) if the respondent's answer does not fit any of
the other nonrelative relationships, but any offender is either well
known or a casual acquaintance. Enter the offender's relationship
to the respondent on the "Specify" screen,
MULTOFFENDERRELATION_SPEC_28, such as the
respondent's barber or financial planner.
Once you have completed Item MULTOFFENDERRELATION,
continue with Item MULTOFFENDERGENDER.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Were they male or female?
○
○
○
○

1 All male
2 All female
3 Don’t know sex of any offenders
4 Both male and female

MULTOFFENDERGENDER

MULTOFFENDER
GENDER

Item MULTOFFENDERGENDER asks whether the offenders
are male, female, or a combination. Based on the respondent's
perception, enter Precode (1) for "All male," Precode (2) for
"All female," Precode (3) if the respondent does not know the
offenders’ gender, and Precode (4) if the offenders were both male
and female. If the respondent answers this question with Precode
(4) and there were more than two offenders, the instrument goes to
MULTOFFENDERMOSTGENDER. Otherwise, the instrument
goes to Item MULTOFFENDERYOUNG.

Were they mostly male or mostly female?
○
○
○
○

1 Mostly male
2 Mostly female
3 Evenly divided
4 Don’t know

MULTOFFENDERMOSTGENDER

MULTOFFENDER
MOSTGENDER

Item MULTOFFENDERMOSTGENDER appears when the
respondent answers MULTOFFENDERGENDER with Precode
(4) and indicates that there were more than two offenders. Based
on the respondent’s perception, enter Precode (1) for “Mostly
male,” Precode (2) for “Mostly female,” Precode (3) for “Evenly
divided,” or Precode (4) for “Don’t know.” The instrument goes to
Item MULTOFFENDERYOUNG.

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Part B, Chapter 4

How old would you say the youngest was?
○
○
○
○
○
○
○

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Under 12
12-14
15-17
18-20
21-29
30 or older
Don’t know

MULTOFFENDERYOUNG

MULTOFFENDER
YOUNG

In Item MULTOFFENDERYOUNG, enter the precode for the
age of the youngest offender, according to the perception of the
respondent. Enter Precode (1) for “Under 12,” Precode (2) for “1214,” Precode (3) for “15-17,” Precode (4) for “18-20,” Precode (5)
for “21-29,” Precode (6) for “30 or older,” and Precode (7) for
“Don’t know.” The instrument then goes to
MULTOFFENDEROLD.

How old would you say the oldest was?
○
○
○
○
○
○
○

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Under 12
12-14
15-17
18-20
21-29
30 or older
Don’t know

MULTOFFENDEROLD

MULTOFFENDEROLD

In Item MULTOFFENDEROLD, enter the precode for the age of
the oldest offender, according to the perception of the
respondent. Enter Precode (1) for “Under 12,” Precode (2) for “1214,” Precode (3) for “15-17,” Precode (4) for “18-20,” Precode (5)
for “21-29,” Precode (6) for “30 or older,” and Precode (7) for
“Don’t know.” The instrument then goes to
MULTOFFETHNICITY.
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Part B, Chapter 4

Were any of the offenders Hispanic or Latino?
○ 1 Yes
○ 2 No
○ 3 Don’t know
MULTOFFETHNICITY

MULTOFFETHNICITY

Item MULTOFFETHNICITY asks whether any of the offenders
were Hispanic or Latino. If you enter Precode (1) for a “Yes”
response, the instrument goes to
MULTOFFENDERMOSTTHNICITY. If you enter Precode (2)
for “No,” or Precode (3) for “Don’t know,” the instrument goes to
Item MULTOFFENDERRACE.

Were the offenders mostly Hispanic, mostly non-Hispanic,
or an equal number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic?
○
○
○
○

1 Mostly Hispanic
2 Mostly non-Hispanic
3 Equal number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic
4 Don’t know

MULTOFFENDERMOSTETHNICITY

MULTOFFENDER
MOSTETHNICITY

Item MULTOFFENDERMOSTETHNICITY asks whether the
offenders were mostly Hispanic, mostly non-Hispanic, or an equal
number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic. It is asked when Precode
(1), “Yes,” is entered in Item MULTOFFETHNICITY. Enter
Precode (1) for “Mostly Hispanic,” Precode (2) for “Mostly nonHispanic,” Precode (3) for “Equal number of Hispanic and nonHispanic,” or Precode (4) for “Don’t know.” The instrument goes
to MULTOFFENDERRACE.

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Part B, Chapter 4

What race or races were the offenders? Were they…
● Enter all that apply, separate with commas.
○ 1 White?
○ 2 Black or African American?
○ 3 American Indian or Alaska Native?
○ 4 Asian?
○ 5 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander?
○ 6 Don’t know
MULTOFFENDERRACE

MULTOFFENDERRACE Item MULTOFFENDERRACE is used to record the offenders’
race(s) as perceived by the respondent. Read the answer categories
to the respondent as part of the question. Do not read answer
category (6), “Don’t know.” Enter all that apply.
Enter Precode (1) for “White” and Precode (2) for “Black or
African American.” Enter Precode (3) for “American Indian or
Alaska Native.” Enter Precode (4) for “Asian.” Enter Precode (5)
for “Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.” Enter Precode (6)
“Don’t know,” if respondent cannot identify offenders’ race(s).
If two or more precodes are marked, the instrument goes to Item
MULTOFFENDERRACEMOST. Otherwise, it goes to
MULTOFFENDERGANG.
What race were most of the offenders?
○1 Mostly White?
○ 2 Mostly Black or African American?
○ 3 Mostly American Indian or Alaska Native?
○ 4 Mostly Asian?
○ 5 Mostly Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander?
○ 6 Equal number of each race
○ 7 Don’t know
MULTOFFENDERRACEMOST

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MULTOFFENDER
RACEMOST

Part B, Chapter 4

Item MULTOFFENDERRACEMOST is asked when the
respondent indicates that the offenders were of more than one race
in Item MULTOFFENDERRACE. Enter the appropriate precode
for the race of the majority of the offenders, based on the
respondent’s perception. The instrument continues with Item
MULTOFFENDERGANG.

Were any of the offenders a member of a street gang, or don’t you know?
○ 1 Yes (a member of a street gang)
○ 2 No (not a member of a street gang)
○ 3 Don't know (if a member of a street gang)
MULTOFFENDERGANG

MULTOFFENDERGANG MULTOFFENDERGANG is used to determine whether or
not any of the offenders is a member of a street gang based on the
respondent's perception. Consider a street gang as a group of
people who associate regularly with one another, generally have a
leader or group of leaders who issue orders and reap the rewards of
the gang's activities, and often engage in anti-social or deviant
behavior.
Some ways to identify gang members are their "colors," clothing,
tattoos, brands, or imprints of the gang's name, logo, or other
identifying marks on their bodies.
Enter the appropriate precode based on the respondent's answer–
Precode (1) for "Yes," Precode (2) for "No," or Precode (3) for
"Don't know." The instrument then goes to
MULTOFFENDERDRINKDRUG.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Were any of the offenders drinking or on drugs, or don’t you know?
○ 1 Yes (drinking or on drugs)
○ 2 No (not drinking/not on drugs)
○ 3 Don't know (if drinking or on drugs)
MULTOFFENDERDRINKDRUG

MULTOFFENDER
DRINKDRUG

Item MULTOFFENDERDRINKDRUG is used to find out if the
offenders were drinking alcoholic beverages or under the influence
of drugs during the incident. Enter the appropriate precode based
on what the respondent believes or knows.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Yes," if the offenders were actively drinking or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
After entering Precode (1), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "No," if the offenders were not drinking or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After entering Precode (2),
continue with Item MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3), "Don't know," if the respondent could not tell if
the offenders were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After
entering Precode (3), continue with Item
MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Which was it? (Drinking or on drugs)?
○ 1 Drinking
○ 2 On drugs
○ 3 Both (drinking and on drugs)
○ 4 Drinking or on drugs - could not tell which
MULTOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG

MULTOFFENDER
DRINKORDRUG

Item MULTOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG is used to
distinguish between whether the offender(s) were just drinking,
just on drugs, under the influence of BOTH alcohol and drugs, or
perhaps the respondent cannot distinguish between the two. After
completing Item MULTOFFENDERDRINKORDRUG,
continue with Item MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Drinking," if the respondent thinks or knows
that the offenders were under the influence of only alcohol during
the incident.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "On drugs," if the respondent thinks or knows
that the offenders were under the influence of only drugs during
the incident.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3), "Both," if the respondent thinks or knows that
the offenders were under the influence of BOTH drugs and alcohol
during the incident.

Precode (4)

Enter Precode (4), "Drinking or on drugs," if the respondent thinks
or knows that the offenders were under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, but cannot tell which one.

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Part B, Chapter 4

Was this the only time any of these offenders committed a crime against you or your
household or made threats against you or your household?
○ 1 Yes (only time)
○ 2 No (there were other times)
○ 3 Don't know
MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME

MULTOFFENDER
ONLYTIME

Item MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME is used to determine
whether the offenders have ever committed any type of crime or
threatened to physically harm the respondent or another household
member, other than the current incident. For this question, do not
limit the respondent to crimes committed only during the 6-month
reference period.

Precode (1)

Enter Precode (1), "Yes (only time)," if the respondent tells you
that the current incident is the only crime these offenders have
committed against his/her household. Make sure that the
respondent understands we are interested in crimes committed by
these offenders at ANY time prior to this incident.

Precode (2)

Enter Precode (2), "No (there were other times)," if the respondent
says that these offenders commited other crimes against the
respondent or other household members at ANY time prior to this
incident.

Precode (3)

Enter Precode (3) if the respondent does not really know whether
or not the offenders have committed other crimes against the
household prior to this incident.
After completing Item MULTOFFENDERONLYTIME,
continue with Item THEFT.

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