CargoTheft.SuppStmntB (1110-0048)

B. Statistical Methods

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The NIBRS-only data collection began on January 1, 2021; however, some agencies did not complete the transition to NIBRS by the given date. Therefore, the FBI’s UCR Program continues to collect cargo theft information under SRS. Until this practice officially expires, the potential respondent universe using the Cargo Theft Incident Report includes all LEAs throughout the nation voluntarily participating in the FBI’s UCR Program’s Cargo Theft Data Collection via SRS.

In 2023, the total number of SRS LEAs permitted to submit cargo theft data to the FBI’s UCR Program was 2,953. The table below shows the number of SRS and NIBRS LEAs, along with the percentage of agencies reporting via SRS.

Year	Number of SRS LEAs	Number of NIBRS LEAs	Percent of SRS LEAs
2021	2,454	13,110	15.8
2022	2,904	13,771	17.4
2023	2,953	14,152	17.3

LEAs consist of federal, state, local, tribal, university/college, and territorial agencies serving all population group sizes having diverse attributes. The areas served include various characteristics which may impact crime, such as population density and degree of urbanization; various compositions of population, particularly youth concentration; population movement with respect to residents’ mobility, commuting patterns, and transient factors; diverse economic conditions including median income, poverty level, and job availability; areas with different modes of transportation and highway systems; various cultural factors and educational, recreational, and religious characteristics; family conditions with respect to divorce and family cohesiveness; climate; effective strength of law enforcement; policies of other components of the criminal justice system; citizens’ attitudes toward crime; and crime reporting practices of the citizenry.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

SRS and NIBRS agencies continued to submit data regarding cargo theft incidents and the information was added to the master file. On January 1, 2021, the FBI transitioned to a NIBRS-only data collection under which cargo theft incidents are reported. However, some agencies did not complete the transition to NIBRS by the given date, so the FBI’s UCR program will continue to collect information regarding new cargo theft incidents, along with updates to previously reported incidents, via the Cargo Theft Incident Report. The updated information will be added to the master file for historical purposes.

Although the FBI makes an effort through its editing procedures, training practices, and correspondence to ensure the reliability of the data received, the receipt of accurate statistics depends on adherence to the established standards of reporting at the agency level. The FBI relies on the integrity of the data from contributors and results obtained from quality assurance reviews conducted by the CJIS Audit Unit staff. The results of the audits are not used to adjust crime data, but to educate reporting agencies on compliance with FBI’s UCR Program guidelines.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

Cargo theft data are available within NIBRS, and similar response rates are expected. The FBI’s UCR Program’s staff actively liaise with LEAs to encourage participation and assist agencies with maximizing response rates and providing accurate, up-to-date information.

4. Testing of Procedures

The FBI’s UCR Program receives guidance for implementing or making changes to a data collection from the FBI CJIS APB. The APB was developed to obtain user community advice and guidance on the development and operation of all CJIS Division programs. The philosophy underlying the advisory process is one of shared management, i.e., the FBI; federal, state, local, tribal, university/college, and territorial data providers; and system users share responsibility for the operation and management of new and existing FBI CJIS Division systems and programs as determined by the FBI Director to benefit the criminal justice community.

SRS and NIBRS agencies continued to submit data regarding cargo theft incidents and the information was added to the master file. On January 1, 2021, the FBI transitioned to a NIBRS-only data collection under which cargo theft incidents are reported. However, some agencies did not complete the transition to NIBRS by the given date, so the FBI’s UCR program will continue to collect information regarding new cargo theft incidents, along with updates to previously reported incidents, via the Cargo Theft Incident Report. The updated information will be added to the master file for historical purposes. Testing is not required.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

Scott E. Schubert

Law Enforcement Engagement and Data Sharing (LEEDS) Section Chief

[email protected]

304-625-3690

Joey L. Hixenbaugh

LEEDS Assistant Section Chief

[email protected]

304-625-4507

Edward L. Abraham

Crime and Law Enforcement Statistics Unit Chief

[email protected]

304-625-2136

Chad M. Garman

Supervisory Survey Statistician

[email protected]

304-625-3296

Malissa C. Vavra

Survey Statistician

[email protected]

304-625-3010

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