The Mismeasure of Crime

by Clayton J. Mosher, Terance D. Miethe, Timothy C. Hart

A unique look at the problems in measuring crime both historically and internationally



Filled with real world examples derived from media reports on crime trends and other sources, this fully updated Second Edition analyzes the specific errors that can occur in the three most common methods used to report crime—official crime data, self report, and victimization studies. For each method, the authors examine strengths and weaknesses, the fundamental issues surrounding accuracy, and the method′s application to theoretical and policy research. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate the factors that underlie crime data and illustrate the fundamental links between theory, policy, and data measurement.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2002

Reviews

[Daniel DeLappe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good academic read on a very important problem in society. If you do read this book make sure that you have a basic knowledge of Statistics. The billions of dollars wasted on the justice system is justified by data collection that questionable in its validity and reliability. There are states that have thrown the results of these surveys due to the sketchy gathering of the data by the justice system itself. Are these measures good enough to justify the money spent. No. Is the media compliant in this scam. Yes, news via press release needs to stop. If the sheep would stop bleating about the need for more policing we might have a chance to find how much is needed, but then how would politicians buy your vote?

[Jahir Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was easy to read and provided interesting information but the information is now a bit outdated. Overall great read for criminal justice data information.