The misuse of statistics refers to the improper, misleading, or inappropriate use of numerical data to support a particular argument or agenda or to draw conclusions that are not supported by the evidence. Misuse of statistics can take many forms, such as limiting public access to critical information, intending to mislead the public by presenting false information or using deceptive formats to present information (Kappler & Potter, 2018). It can also involve using statistical techniques in a manner that is inconsistent with their intended purpose or overgeneralizing statistical results beyond their scope or applicability. The misuse of statistics can promote crime myths and generate fear of crime.

Systemic misreporting is another factor. A significant portion of crimes go unreported, making police reports and the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) underestimated. It’s vital to question the independence and bias of information sources, ensuring a critical evaluation of data.

When evaluating crime statistics, consider the local, regional, and national context. Crime is local, and understanding national trends helps differentiate anomalies from larger patterns. When making comparisons, standardize the data and be cautious with percentages, especially in small sample sizes. Crime is dynamic and varies by type and season, so examining trends over multiple years and across locations provides a more accurate picture. This critical evaluation helps us distinguish between usual fluctuations and potential underlying causes of changes in crime statistics (Moore et al., 2022).

The good news is that now you understand the difference between the various ways crime data is collected in this country. You can now go straight to the source of the data and make a decision about its validity yourself.

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“Misusing Statistics” is adapted from “2.5. Misusing Statistics” by Shanell Sanchez in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Modifications by Sam Arungwa, revised by Roxie Supplee, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Revisions include removing an activity and adding new paragraphs of original content.