Today we will examine statistics from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system concerning various crimes. Managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the UCR provides a centralized depository for crime statistics across the United States.
Starting in 1930, the FBI took responsibility for collecting and publishing UCR crime data. Today, the UCR system collects data from more than 18,000 sources, including cities, academic institutions, states, tribes, and federal agencies.
At this point in time, the FBI has published UCR crime data for 2015 and 2016. The FBI divides UCR data divides crimes into two major buckets. Violent crime includes murder and manslaughter, two definitions of rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
In examining UCR data for Illinois from 2015 and 2016, we will look at both the totals and the rate per 100,000 people. This adjusted rate will give us a better idea of the frequency and density of the crime data.
UCR Crime Data for the United States and Illinois
Concerning violent crimes, the UCR system provides the following data for the United States and Illinois.
UNITED STATES
- 2015 Violent Crimes (total): 1,234,183
- 2016 Violent Crimes (total): 1,283,058 (Rate of Change: +4.0%)
- 2015 Violent Crimes (rate per 100,000): 384.6
- 2016 Violent Crimes (rate per 100,000): 397.1 (Rate of Change: +3.2%)
ILLINOIS
- 2015 Violent Crimes (total): 49,755
- 2016 Violent Crimes (total): 55,854 (Rate of Change: +12.3%)
- 2015 Violent Crimes (rate per 100,000): 387.5
- 2016 Violent Crimes (rate per 100,000): 436.3 (Rate of Change: +12.6%)
Concerning property crimes, the UCR system provides the following data for the United States and Illinois.
UNITED STATES
- 2015 Property Crimes (total): 8,024,115
- 2016 Property Crimes (total): 7,919,035 (Rate of Change: -1.3%)
- 2015 Property Crimes (rate per 100,000): 2,500.5
- 2016 Property Crimes (rate per 100,000): 2,450.7 (Rate of Change: -2.0%)
ILLINOIS
- 2015 Property Crimes (total): 256,962
- 2016 Property Crimes (total): 262,306 (Rate of Change: +2.1%)
- 2015 Property Crimes (rate per 100,000): 2,001.4
- 2016 Property Crimes (rate per 100,000): 2,049.0 (Rate of Change: +2.4%)
Do You Need Legal Counsel from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney?
No matter what the criminal offense, all criminal charges are serious. Without a sound strategy and an aggressive defense, you could miss out on your best chance for a positive outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the law and navigate toward an effective resolution.
Serving the counties of Dewitt, Ford, Livingston, Logan, McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford, The Prior Law Firm is located in Bloomington, Illinois. Our attorneys are dedicated to the practice of Illinois criminal law. If you need legal advice concerning any criminal offense, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.
You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or online by completing a simple form.
(image courtesy of Osman Rana)