Using the national crime survey files

The National Crime Survey (NCS) Files contain data from a series of victimization surveys designed to provide new information for research on the nature of crime and its impact on society. These surveys are being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census for the National Crime Panel Program Sponsored by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA). The Data Use and Access Laboratories (DUALabs) distributes tape files, develops documentation and provides technical assistance in the use of these data.

The paper outlines the content of the National Crime Survey Files in terms of the potential research value for providing information about the victims of crimes, the numbers and types of crimes not reported to the police and measures of selected types of crimes which would permit comparisons over time and between different geographic areas. The paper discusses the format of the files as developed by DUALabs under a grant from LEAA and offers general guidance on using the files.