Dark figure of crime explained

In criminology and sociology, the dark figure of crime, hidden figure of crime, or latent criminality^{[1] [2]} is the amount of unreported or undiscovered crime.^[3]

Methodology

This gap between reported and unreported crimes calls the reliability of official crime statistics into question, but all measures of crime have a dark figure to some degree.

Comparisons between official statistics, such as the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Incident-Based Reporting System, and victim studies, such as the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), attempt to provide an insight into the amount of unreported crime.^{[4] [5]}

Self-report studies are also used in comparison with official statistics and organized datasets to assess the dark of crime.

By type

The gap in official statistics is largest for less serious crimes.

Estimates of sexual violence from victim surveys differ from sexual violence crime statistics reported by law enforcement.^[6]

See also

• Fear of crime
• There are unknown unknowns

Further reading

• Moore, S. (1996). Investigating Crime and Deviance. Harpers Collins., pages 211–220.
• Coleman, C., & Moynihan, J. (1996). Understanding crime data: haunted by the dark figure. Open University Press. .

Notes and References

1. Ellis H. Crime and Control in the English Speaking Caribbean: A Comparative Study of Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados, 1960-1980 // Crime and Control in Comparative Perspectives, edited by Heiland, Shelley, and Katoh. – 1992. – p. 131-161
2. Oloruntimehin O. Crime and control in Nigeria // Crime and control in comparative perspectives. – 1992. – p. 163-188.
3. Book: Introduction to Criminology: A Text/Reader . SAGE Publications, Inc. . Walsh . Anthony . Hemmens . Craig . 2014 . Thousand Oaks, CA . 978-1-4522-5820-1 . 3rd.
4. Comparing Self-Reports and Official Records of Arrests . Journal of Quantitative Criminology . 2000 . 16 . 1 . 87–110 . Maxfield . Michael G. . Weiler . Barbara Luntz . Widom . Cathy Spatz . 10.1023/a:1007577512038. 140785017 .
5. Book: Understanding Crime Incidence Statistics: Why the UCR Diverges from the NCS . Springer . 1991 . New York, NY . Biderman . Albert D. . Lynch . James P. . Peterson . James L..
6. Ingemann-Hansen . Ole . Sabroe . Svend . Brink . Ole . Knudsen . Maiken . Charles . Annie Vesterbye . Characteristics of victims and assaults of sexual violence – Improving inquiries and prevention . Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine . 16 . 4 . 2009 . 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.07.004 . 182–188. 19329073 .