The National Victimization Survey is an example of what type of crime measurement resource?

• A. Administrative data
• B. Survey data
• C. Police records
• D. Judicial opinions

Answer: (B)

Victimization is measured by collecting self-reported experiences from individuals, including crimes that may never be reported to authorities. The National Victimization Survey uses this approach by conducting a national interview survey of households to document crimes people have experienced. Because the data come from people’s own reports rather than official agency records, they can capture incidents that don’t appear in police files or court documents. Administrative data come from agencies’ records (like police incident reports) and judicial opinions are outcomes of court proceedings, not measures of victimization. So the National Victimization Survey exemplifies survey data.