Why Is This Important?
The reported crime rate is a measure of the offenses reported to the Police Bureau during the fiscal year. These crimes directly impact the community through actions like violence towards individuals or property loss or damage. The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) provides a standard process for law enforcement agencies to report crime. Each offense committed within an incident is counted, providing a comprehensive view of crime and making comparison of crime rates across jurisdiction more consistent. The Portland Police Bureau collects NIBRS data through offense reports and the associated data is reported to the State and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The data is also used to inform strategic planning and daily operations of the Police Bureau as well as to keep the community informed through the Police Open Data. The crime rate accounts for changes in populations.