1 Law Enforcement
Data Characteristics
Justice Counts follows the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics guidance on how to define law enforcement: the agencies and employees responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and managing public safety whose duties include the investigation, apprehension, and detention of individuals suspected of criminal offenses. However, recognizing that there is variety in how law enforcement agencies work, the Justice Counts digital infrastructure allows law enforcement agencies to clearly define the functions of their system and the duties it performs.
Global Definitions
To make configuring metrics as easy as possible, some concepts can be defined once at the outset of onboarding and then applied throughout the rest of your metric configuration. These concepts include the definition of arrests for person charges/offenses, property charges/offenses, drug charges/offenses, public order charges/offenses, other charges/offenses, and unknown charges/offenses.
Person Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was a crime against a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Aggravated assault |
| INCLUDE | Simple assault |
| INCLUDE | Intimidation |
| INCLUDE | Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Negligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, commercial sex acts |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, involuntary servitude |
| INCLUDE | Kidnapping/abduction |
| INCLUDE | Rape |
| INCLUDE | Sodomy |
| INCLUDE | Sexual assault with an object |
| INCLUDE | Fondling |
| INCLUDE | Incest |
| INCLUDE | Statutory rape |
| INCLUDE | Robbery |
| EXCLUDE | Justifiable homicide |
Property Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was a property crime.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Arson |
| INCLUDE | Bribery |
| INCLUDE | Burglary/breaking and entering |
| INCLUDE | Counterfeiting/forgery |
| INCLUDE | Destruction/damage/vandalism of property |
| INCLUDE | Embezzlement |
| INCLUDE | Extortion/blackmail |
| INCLUDE | False pretenses/swindle/confidence game |
| INCLUDE | Credit card/automated teller machine fraud |
| INCLUDE | Impersonation |
| INCLUDE | Welfare fraud |
| INCLUDE | Wire fraud |
| INCLUDE | Identity theft |
| INCLUDE | Hacking/computer invasion |
| INCLUDE | Pocket-picking |
| INCLUDE | Purse-snatching |
| INCLUDE | Shoplifting |
| INCLUDE | Theft from building |
| INCLUDE | Theft from coin-operated machine or device |
| INCLUDE | Theft from motor vehicle |
| INCLUDE | Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories |
| INCLUDE | All other larceny |
| INCLUDE | Motor vehicle theft |
| INCLUDE | Stolen property offenses |
| EXCLUDE | Robbery |
Public Order Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was a crime against a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Animal cruelty |
| INCLUDE | Import violations |
| INCLUDE | Export violations |
| INCLUDE | Federal liquor offenses |
| INCLUDE | Federal tobacco offenses |
| INCLUDE | Wildlife trafficking |
| INCLUDE | Espionage |
| INCLUDE | Money laundering |
| INCLUDE | Harboring escapee/concealing from arrest |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid prosecution |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid deportation |
| INCLUDE | Betting/wagering |
| INCLUDE | Operating/promoting/assisting gambling |
| INCLUDE | Gambling equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Sports tampering |
| INCLUDE | Illegal entry into the United States |
| INCLUDE | False citizenship |
| INCLUDE | Smuggling aliens |
| INCLUDE | Re-entry after deportation |
| INCLUDE | Pornography/obscene material |
| INCLUDE | Prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Assisting or promoting prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Purchasing prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Treason |
| INCLUDE | Weapon law violations |
| INCLUDE | Violation of National Firearm Act of 1934 |
| INCLUDE | Weapons of mass destruction |
| INCLUDE | Explosives |
| INCLUDE | Failure to appear |
| INCLUDE | Curfew/loitering/vagrancy violations |
| INCLUDE | Disorderly conduct |
| INCLUDE | Driving under the influence |
| INCLUDE | Family offenses, nonviolent |
| INCLUDE | Federal resource violations |
| INCLUDE | Liquor law violations |
| INCLUDE | Perjury |
| INCLUDE | Trespass of real property |
| EXCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug sales |
| EXCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| EXCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| EXCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| EXCLUDE | Drug production |
| EXCLUDE | Drug possession |
Drug Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was a drug crime.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug sales |
| INCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| INCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| INCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| INCLUDE | Drug production |
| INCLUDE | Drug possession |
Other Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was not a person, property, public order, or drug offense.
Unknown Charges/Offenses
Justice Counts description: People or events for which the most serious charge or offense associated was unknown.
Race and Ethnicity
See Race and Ethnicity for detailed guidance on how to share data disaggregated by race and ethnicity with Justice Counts.
Male Biological Sex
Justice Counts description: A person whose biological sex is male.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Male biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
Female Biological Sex
Breakdown description: A person whose biological sex is female.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following:
| INCLUDE | Female biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
Unknown Biological Sex
Breakdown description: A person whose biological sex is not known.
In addition to configuring biological sex definitions, agencies should also share information regarding the method of data collection for biological sex. Justice Counts recognizes that that there is significant variation across agencies for how, when, and by whom those data are collected and recorded.
Please indicate the method of data collection for biological sex data for the agency:
| Yes/No | People being processed self-report biological sex data |
| Yes/No | Agency staff make determinations about biological sex for the people being processed |
| Yes/No | It is not known how biological sex data is collected |
1.1 Funding
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: First day of fiscal year to last day of fiscal year
Metric description: The amount of funding for agency law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| Funding timeframe and spend-down | |
| INCLUDE | Funding for single fiscal year |
| INCLUDE | Biennium funding appropriated during the time period |
| INCLUDE | Multi-year appropriations that are appropriated during the time period |
| Funding purpose | |
| INCLUDE | Funding for agency staff |
| INCLUDE | Funding for the purchase of law enforcement equipment |
| INCLUDE | Funding for construction of law enforcement facilities (e.g., offices, temporary detention facilities, garages, etc.) |
| INCLUDE | Funding for the maintenance of law enforcement equipment and facilities |
| EXCLUDE | Funding for the operation of jails |
| EXCLUDE | Funding for the operation of community supervision services |
| EXCLUDE | Funding for the operation of juvenile jails |
1.1.1 State Appropriation
Breakdown description: The amount of funding appropriated by the state for agency law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Finalized state appropriations |
| EXCLUDE | Proposed state appropriations |
| EXCLUDE | Preliminary state appropriations |
1.1.2 County or Municipal Appropriation
Breakdown description: The amount of funding appropriated by counties or municipalities for agency law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Finalized county or municipal appropriations |
| EXCLUDE | Proposed county or municipal appropriations |
| EXCLUDE | Preliminary county or municipal appropriations |
1.1.3 Asset Forfeiture
Breakdown description: The amount of funding derived by the agency through the seizure of assets.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Assets seized and allocated into operating budget |
| INCLUDE | Assets seized due to judicial decision |
| INCLUDE | Assets seized due to criminal conviction |
| INCLUDE | Funding from forfeited asset auctions |
1.1.4 Grants
Breakdown description: The amount of funding derived by the agency through grants and awards to be used for agency law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Local grants |
| INCLUDE | State grants |
| INCLUDE | Federal grants |
| INCLUDE | Private or foundation grants |
1.1.5 Other Funding
Breakdown description: The amount of funding to be used for agency law enforcement activities that is not appropriations from the state, appropriations from the county or city, asset forfeiture, or grants.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.1.6 Unknown Funding
Breakdown description: The amount of funding to be used for agency law enforcement activities for which the source is not known.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.2 Expenses
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: First day of fiscal year to last day of fiscal year
Metric description: The amount spent by the agency for law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| Expenses timeframe and spend-down | |
| INCLUDE | Expenses for single fiscal year |
| INCLUDE | Biennium funding appropriated during the time period |
| INCLUDE | Multi-year appropriations that are appropriated during the time period |
| Expense purpose | |
| INCLUDE | Expenses for agency staff |
| INCLUDE | Expenses for the purchase of law enforcement equipment |
| INCLUDE | Expenses for construction of law enforcement facilities (e.g., offices, temporary detention facilities, garages, etc.) |
| INCLUDE | Expenses for the maintenance of law enforcement equipment and facilities |
| EXCLUDE | Expenses for the operation of jails |
| EXCLUDE | Expenses for the operation of community supervision services |
1.2.1 Personnel
Breakdown description: The amount spent by the agency to employ personnel involved in law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Salaries |
| INCLUDE | Benefits |
| INCLUDE | Retirement contributions |
| INCLUDE | Costs of individuals contracted to work for the law enforcement agency |
| EXCLUDE | Costs of companies contracted to work for the law enforcement agency |
1.2.2 Training
Breakdown description: The amount spent by the agency on the training of personnel involved in law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Annual training |
| INCLUDE | Training academy |
| INCLUDE | Specialized training |
| INCLUDE | Continuing education |
| INCLUDE | External training or professional development opportunities (conferences, classes, etc.) |
| EXCLUDE | Courses or programs offered at no cost to individuals or the department |
1.2.3 Facilities and Equipment
Breakdown description: The amount spent by the agency for the purchase and use of the physical plant and property owned and operated by the agency and equipment used in law enforcement activities.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Law enforcement facility operations |
| INCLUDE | Law enforcement facility maintenance |
| INCLUDE | Law enforcement facility renovation |
| INCLUDE | Law enforcement facility construction |
| INCLUDE | Vehicles |
| INCLUDE | Uniforms |
| INCLUDE | Equipment (e.g., offices, temporary detention facilities, garages, etc.) |
| INCLUDE | Weapons |
1.2.4 Other Expenses
Breakdown description: The amount spent by the agency on other costs relating to law enforcement activities that are not personnel, training, or facilities and equipment expenses.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.2.5 Unknown Expenses
Breakdown description: The amount spent by the agency on costs relating to law enforcement activities for a purpose that is not known.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.3 Staff
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: Last day of fiscal year
Metric description: The number of full-time equivalent positions budgeted for and paid by the agency for law enforcement activities.
Staff positions should only be counted once per full-time equivalent (FTE). If one FTE position has job functions that span more than one type of role, please count that FTE position in the role with the largest percentage of job functions.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Filled positions funded within the agency's budget |
| INCLUDE | Staff positions budgeted but currently vacant |
| INCLUDE | Full-time positions funded within the agency's budget |
| INCLUDE | Part-time positions funded within the agency's budget |
| INCLUDE | Contracted positions funded within the agency's budget |
| INCLUDE | Temporary positions funded within the agency's budget |
| EXCLUDE | Volunteer positions |
| EXCLUDE | Intern positions |
| EXCLUDE | Positions not funded within the agency’s budget |
1.3.1 Sworn/Uniformed Police Officers
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions that perform law enforcement activities and ordinarily carry a firearm and a badge.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Uniformed police officers (all ranks) |
| INCLUDE | Detectives |
| INCLUDE | Police officers assigned to specialized units |
| INCLUDE | Special jurisdiction police officers |
| INCLUDE | Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs |
| INCLUDE | State police officers |
| INCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed positions trained in mental health first aid or crisis intervention who do not perform these roles full time |
| EXCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed staff positions budgeted but currently vacant |
| EXCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed Crisis Intervention Team staff who perform this role full time |
| EXCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed victim advocate staff who perform this role full time |
1.3.2 Civilian Staff
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions that work as civilian or non-sworn employees.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Civilian investigators |
| INCLUDE | Civilian crime, intelligence, and research analysts |
| INCLUDE | Civilian crime prevention staff |
| INCLUDE | Civilian community outreach staff |
| INCLUDE | Dispatchers and call-takers |
| INCLUDE | Civilian parking and traffic enforcement |
| INCLUDE | Public information officers |
| INCLUDE | Records management staff |
| INCLUDE | Clerical and administrative staff |
| INCLUDE | Information technology staff |
| INCLUDE | Forensic and crime lab technicians |
| INCLUDE | Equipment and fleet management staff |
1.3.3 Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Team Staff
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions that are members of a Crisis Intervention Team or provide mental health services in collaboration with law enforcement.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed Crisis Intervention Team staff |
| INCLUDE | Non-sworn/civilian Crisis Intervention Team staff |
| INCLUDE | Mental health practitioners who collaborate with law enforcement officers |
| EXCLUDE | Staff trained in mental health first aid or crisis intervention who do not perform these roles full time |
1.3.4 Victim Advocate Staff
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions that provide victim support services.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Sworn/uniformed victim advocacy staff |
| INCLUDE | Non-sworn/civilian victim advocacy staff |
| INCLUDE | Victim advocates who collaborate with law enforcement officers to provide support services to victims of crime |
| EXCLUDE | Staff trained in victim advocacy support who do not perform these roles full time |
1.3.5 Other Staff
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions budgeted to the law enforcement agency that are not sworn/uniformed police officers, civilian staff, mental health/Crisis Intervention Team staff, or victim advocate staff.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.3.6 Unknown Staff
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions budgeted to the law enforcement agency that are of an unknown type.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.3.7 Vacant Positions (Any Staff Type)
Breakdown description: The number of full-time equivalent positions of any type budgeted to the law enforcement agency but not currently filled.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Vacant sworn/uniformed police officer positions |
| INCLUDE | Vacant civilian staff positions |
| INCLUDE | Vacant mental health/Crisis Intervention Team staff positions |
| INCLUDE | Vacant victim advocate staff positions |
| EXCLUDE | Filled positions |
1.4 Staff by Race and Ethnicity
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: Last day of fiscal year
Metric description: The number of filled staff positions disaggregated by race and ethnicity.
The definition of filled staff positions configured in the Staff metric will be applied to this metric.
See Race and Ethnicity for detailed guidance on how to share data disaggregated by race and ethnicity with Justice Counts.
1.5 Staff by Biological Sex
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: Last day of fiscal year
Metric description: The number of filled staff positions disaggregated by biological sex.
The definition of filled staff positions configured in the Staff metric will be applied to this metric.
1.5.1 Male Biological Sex
Breakdown description: A single day count of the number of people in filled staff positions whose biological sex is male.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Male biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
1.5.2 Female Biological Sex
Breakdown description: A single day count of the number of people in filled staff positions whose biological sex is female.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Female biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
1.5.3 Unknown Biological Sex
Breakdown description: A single day count of the number of people in filled staff positions whose biological sex is unknown.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.6 Calls for Service
Preferred sharing frequency: Monthly
Preferred time period: First day of calendar month to last day of calendar month
Metric description: The number of calls for police assistance received by the agency.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Calls for service received by the agency’s dispatch service via 911 |
| INCLUDE | Calls for service received by the agency’s dispatch service via 311 or equivalent non-emergency number |
| INCLUDE | Mutual aid calls for support received by the agency |
| INCLUDE | Officer-initiated calls for service (e.g., traffic stops, foot patrol) |
| INCLUDE | Calls for service received by another jurisdiction and routed to the agency for response |
| INCLUDE | Automated calls for service (e.g., security system) |
| EXCLUDE | Calls for fire service |
| EXCLUDE | Calls for EMS service |
| EXCLUDE | Calls for other non-police service |
1.6.1 Emergency Calls
Breakdown description: The number of calls for police assistance received by the agency that require immediate response.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Calls that require urgent or priority response |
| INCLUDE | Calls that require code 2 or higher response |
| INCLUDE | Calls that relate to incidents with imminent threats to life or danger of serious injury |
| INCLUDE | Calls that relate to ongoing offenses that involve violence |
| INCLUDE | Calls that relate to a serious offense that has just occurred and reason exists to believe the person suspected of committing the offense is in the area |
| INCLUDE | Calls for “officer in trouble” or request for emergency assistance from an officer |
| INCLUDE | Calls that relate to incidents that represent significant hazards to the flow of traffic |
| INCLUDE | Calls that relate to in-progress incidents that could be classified as crimes |
1.6.2 Non-emergency Calls
Breakdown description: The number of calls for police assistance received by the agency that do not require immediate response.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Calls that require routine response |
| INCLUDE | Calls that require code 1 response |
| INCLUDE | Calls for patrol requests |
| INCLUDE | Calls for routine transportation |
| INCLUDE | Calls for non-emergency service |
| INCLUDE | Calls routed to civilian community service officers for response |
| INCLUDE | Calls to take a report of stolen property |
1.6.3 Other Calls
Breakdown description: The number of calls for police assistance received by the agency that are not emergency or non-emergency calls.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.6.4 Unknown Calls
Breakdown description: The number of calls for police assistance received by the agency of a type that is not known.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.7 Arrests
Preferred sharing frequency: Monthly
Preferred time period: First day of calendar month to last day of calendar month
Metric description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses made by the agency.
Arrests are based on the number of arrest events, not the number of unique people arrested. If the same person was arrested three times during a time period, it would count as three arrests. A person suspected of committing more than one offense, but arrested only once, should be counted as one arrest classified by the most serious charge in the incident. Law enforcement agencies should only share data for those arrests made for offenses committed within their own jurisdictions.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | On-view arrest (i.e., apprehension without a warrant or previous incident report) |
| INCLUDE | Arrests for warrants or previous incident reports |
| INCLUDE | Summonses or citations |
| INCLUDE | Arrests made for offenses committed within the agency’s jurisdiction |
| EXCLUDE | Arrests made for offenses committed outside the agency’s jurisdiction |
1.7.1 Arrests for Person Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense was a crime against a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Aggravated assault |
| INCLUDE | Simple assault |
| INCLUDE | Intimidation |
| INCLUDE | Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Negligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, commercial sex acts |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, involuntary servitude |
| INCLUDE | Kidnapping/abduction |
| INCLUDE | Rape |
| INCLUDE | Sodomy |
| INCLUDE | Sexual assault with an object |
| INCLUDE | Fondling |
| INCLUDE | Incest |
| INCLUDE | Statutory rape |
| INCLUDE | Robbery |
| EXCLUDE | Justifiable homicide |
1.7.2 Arrests for Property Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense was a property offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Arson |
| INCLUDE | Bribery |
| INCLUDE | Burglary/breaking and entering |
| INCLUDE | Counterfeiting/forgery |
| INCLUDE | Destruction/damage/vandalism of property |
| INCLUDE | Embezzlement |
| INCLUDE | Extortion/blackmail |
| INCLUDE | False pretenses/swindle/confidence game |
| INCLUDE | Credit card/automated teller machine fraud |
| INCLUDE | Impersonation |
| INCLUDE | Welfare fraud |
| INCLUDE | Wire fraud |
| INCLUDE | Identity theft |
| INCLUDE | Hacking/computer invasion |
| INCLUDE | Pocket-picking |
| INCLUDE | Purse-snatching |
| INCLUDE | Shoplifting |
| INCLUDE | Theft from building |
| INCLUDE | Theft from coin-operated machine or device |
| INCLUDE | Theft from motor vehicle |
| INCLUDE | Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories |
| INCLUDE | All other larceny |
| INCLUDE | Motor vehicle theft |
| INCLUDE | Stolen property offenses |
| EXCLUDE | Robbery |
1.7.3 Arrests for Public Order Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense was a public order offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Animal cruelty |
| INCLUDE | Import violations |
| INCLUDE | Export violations |
| INCLUDE | Federal liquor offenses |
| INCLUDE | Federal tobacco offenses |
| INCLUDE | Wildlife trafficking |
| INCLUDE | Espionage |
| INCLUDE | Money laundering |
| INCLUDE | Harboring escapee/concealing from arrest |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid prosecution |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid deportation |
| INCLUDE | Betting/wagering |
| INCLUDE | Operating/promoting/assisting gambling |
| INCLUDE | Gambling equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Sports tampering |
| INCLUDE | Illegal entry into the United States |
| INCLUDE | False citizenship |
| INCLUDE | Smuggling aliens |
| INCLUDE | Re-entry after deportation |
| INCLUDE | Pornography/obscene material |
| INCLUDE | Prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Assisting or promoting prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Purchasing prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Treason |
| INCLUDE | Weapon law violations |
| INCLUDE | Violation of National Firearm Act of 1934 |
| INCLUDE | Weapons of mass destruction |
| INCLUDE | Explosives |
| INCLUDE | Failure to appear |
| INCLUDE | Curfew/loitering/vagrancy violations |
| INCLUDE | Disorderly conduct |
| INCLUDE | Driving under the influence |
| INCLUDE | Family offenses, nonviolent |
| INCLUDE | Federal resource violations |
| INCLUDE | Liquor law violations |
| INCLUDE | Perjury |
| INCLUDE | Trespass of real property |
| EXCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug sales |
| EXCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| EXCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| EXCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| EXCLUDE | Drug production |
| EXCLUDE | Drug possession |
1.7.4 Arrests for Drug Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense was a drug offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug sales |
| INCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| INCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| INCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| INCLUDE | Drug production |
| INCLUDE | Drug possession |
1.7.5 Arrests for Other Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense was another type of crime that was not a person, property, drug, or public order offense.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.7.6 Arrests for Unknown Charges/Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, or summonses made by the agency in which the most serious offense is not known.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.8 Arrests by Race and Ethnicity
Preferred sharing frequency: Monthly
Preferred time period: First day of calendar month to last day of calendar month
Metric description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses made by the agency disaggregated by race and ethnicity.
The definition of arrests configured in the Arrests metric will be applied to this metric.
Arrests are based on the number of arrest events, not the number of unique people arrested. If the same person was arrested three times during a time period, it would count as three arrests. A person suspected of committing more than one offense, but arrested only once, should be counted as one arrest. Law enforcement agencies should only share data for those arrests made for offenses committed within their own jurisdictions.
See Race and Ethnicity for detailed guidance on how to share data disaggregated by race and ethnicity with Justice Counts.
1.9 Arrests by Biological Sex
Preferred sharing frequency: Monthly
Preferred time period: First day of calendar month to last day of calendar month
Metric description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses made by the agency disaggregated by biological sex .
The definition of arrests configured in the Arrests metric will be applied to this metric.
Arrests are based on the number of arrest events, not the number of unique people arrested. If the same person was arrested three times during a time period, it would count as three arrests. A person suspected of committing more than one offense, but arrested only once, should be counted as one arrest. Law enforcement agencies should only share data for those arrests made for offenses committed within their own jurisdictions.
1.9.1 Male Biological Sex
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses by the agency of people whose biological sex is male.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Male biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
1.9.2 Female Biological Sex
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses by the agency of people whose biological sex is female.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Female biological sex |
| EXCLUDE | Unknown biological sex |
1.9.3 Unknown Biological Sex
Breakdown description: The number of arrests, citations, and summonses by the agency of people whose biological sex is not known.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.10 Reported Crime
Preferred sharing frequency: Monthly
Preferred time period: First day of calendar month to last day of calendar month
Metric description: The number of criminal incidents made known to the agency.
The reported crime metric is based on the number of criminal incidents reported to the agency, not the number of offenses, victims, or people accused of committing a crime. An incident is one or more offenses committed by the same person, or a group of people acting in concert, at the same time and place. If more than one offense occurs within an incident, only the most serious offense is counted. Data should be categorized by the most severe offense in the incident. If more than one person was involved in the incident, it is only counted once.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Incidents originating from calls for service |
| INCLUDE | Incidents originating from police-generated reports |
| INCLUDE | Incidents originating from reports by other law enforcement agencies |
| EXCLUDE | Incidents referred to another law enforcement agency |
1.10.1 Reported Incidents of Person Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense was a crime against a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Aggravated assault |
| INCLUDE | Simple assault |
| INCLUDE | Intimidation |
| INCLUDE | Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Negligent manslaughter |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, commercial sex acts |
| INCLUDE | Human trafficking, involuntary servitude |
| INCLUDE | Kidnapping/abduction |
| INCLUDE | Rape |
| INCLUDE | Sodomy |
| INCLUDE | Sexual assault with an object |
| INCLUDE | Fondling |
| INCLUDE | Incest |
| INCLUDE | Statutory rape |
| INCLUDE | Robbery |
| EXCLUDE | Justifiable homicide |
1.10.2 Reported Incidents of Property Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense was a property offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Arson |
| INCLUDE | Bribery |
| INCLUDE | Burglary/breaking and entering |
| INCLUDE | Counterfeiting/forgery |
| INCLUDE | Destruction/damage/vandalism of property |
| INCLUDE | Embezzlement |
| INCLUDE | Extortion/blackmail |
| INCLUDE | False pretenses/swindle/confidence game |
| INCLUDE | Credit card/automated teller machine fraud |
| INCLUDE | Impersonation |
| INCLUDE | Welfare fraud |
| INCLUDE | Wire fraud |
| INCLUDE | Identity theft |
| INCLUDE | Hacking/computer invasion |
| INCLUDE | Pocket-picking |
| INCLUDE | Purse-snatching |
| INCLUDE | Shoplifting |
| INCLUDE | Theft from building |
| INCLUDE | Theft from coin-operated machine or device |
| INCLUDE | Theft from motor vehicle |
| INCLUDE | Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories |
| INCLUDE | All other larceny |
| INCLUDE | Motor vehicle theft |
| INCLUDE | Stolen property offenses |
| EXCLUDE | Robbery |
1.10.3 Reported Incidents of Public Order Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense was a public order offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Animal cruelty |
| INCLUDE | Import violations |
| INCLUDE | Export violations |
| INCLUDE | Federal liquor offenses |
| INCLUDE | Federal tobacco offenses |
| INCLUDE | Wildlife trafficking |
| INCLUDE | Espionage |
| INCLUDE | Money laundering |
| INCLUDE | Harboring escapee/concealing from arrest |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid prosecution |
| INCLUDE | Flight to avoid deportation |
| INCLUDE | Betting/wagering |
| INCLUDE | Operating/promoting/assisting gambling |
| INCLUDE | Gambling equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Sports tampering |
| INCLUDE | Illegal entry into the United States |
| INCLUDE | False citizenship |
| INCLUDE | Smuggling aliens |
| INCLUDE | Re-entry after deportation |
| INCLUDE | Pornography/obscene material |
| INCLUDE | Prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Assisting or promoting prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Purchasing prostitution |
| INCLUDE | Treason |
| INCLUDE | Weapon law violations |
| INCLUDE | Violation of National Firearm Act of 1934 |
| INCLUDE | Weapons of mass destruction |
| INCLUDE | Explosives |
| INCLUDE | Failure to appear |
| INCLUDE | Curfew/loitering/vagrancy violations |
| INCLUDE | Disorderly conduct |
| INCLUDE | Driving under the influence |
| INCLUDE | Family offenses, nonviolent |
| INCLUDE | Federal resource violations |
| INCLUDE | Liquor law violations |
| INCLUDE | Perjury |
| INCLUDE | Trespass of real property |
| EXCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| EXCLUDE | Drug sales |
| EXCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| EXCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| EXCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| EXCLUDE | Drug production |
| EXCLUDE | Drug possession |
1.10.4 Reported Incidents of Drug Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense was a drug offense.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Drug/narcotic violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug equipment violations |
| INCLUDE | Drug sales |
| INCLUDE | Drug distribution |
| INCLUDE | Drug manufacturing |
| INCLUDE | Drug smuggling |
| INCLUDE | Drug production |
| INCLUDE | Drug possession |
1.10.5 Reported Incidents of Other Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense was another type of crime that was not a person, property, drug, or public order offense.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.10.6 Reported Incidents of Unknown Offenses
Breakdown description: The number of reported crime incidents received by the agency in which the most serious offense is not known .
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.11 Use of Force Incidents
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: First day of calendar year to last day of calendar year
Metric description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used physical coercion to gain compliance from a person.
Use of force incidents are based on the number of unique incidents where force was used, not the number of individual people or staff involved in those incidents. If one agency staff member used force to gain compliance from a person three times in a time period, it would count as three use of force incidents.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving physical force |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving the use of restraints |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving the use of weapons |
| INCLUDE | Incidents found to be reasonable uses of force |
| INCLUDE | Incidents found to be unreasonable uses of force |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving force that causes transitory pain |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving force that causes physical injury |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving force that causes great bodily harm |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involving deadly force |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involved deployment of a canine |
| INCLUDE | Incidents involved vehicle tactics (e.g., ramming, pursuit intervention technique) |
| EXCLUDE | Incidents involving de minimis force that is not intended or reasonably likely to cause any pain or injury |
1.11.1 Physical Force
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used physical force to gain compliance from a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Controlled placement/takedown that causes pain |
| INCLUDE | Strike with sufficient force to cause pain |
| INCLUDE | Open hand technique with sufficient force to cause pain |
| INCLUDE | Head control |
| INCLUDE | Neck restraint |
| INCLUDE | Carotid restraint |
| INCLUDE | Punch or kick |
| INCLUDE | Strike of person into a hard or fixed object |
| EXCLUDE | Using hands or equipment to stop, push back, separate, or escort without the use of sufficient force to cause pain |
1.11.2 Restraint
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used a restraint to gain compliance from a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Improper application of handcuffs, causing pain |
| INCLUDE | Use of hobble restraint |
| INCLUDE | Use of leg irons |
1.11.3 Firearm
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used a firearm to gain compliance from a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Shooting a firearm |
| INCLUDE | Pointing a firearm at a person |
| EXCLUDE | Displaying a firearm not aimed at a person |
1.11.4 Other Weapon
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used a non-firearm weapon to gain compliance from a person.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Use of a noise flash diversion device |
| INCLUDE | Use of a conducted electrical weapon (e.g., TASER) |
| INCLUDE | Use of oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) |
| INCLUDE | Use of a less-lethal projectile weapon (e.g., PepperBall, 40mm less-lethal launcher) |
| INCLUDE | Use of a blast ball |
| INCLUDE | Use of tear gas |
| INCLUDE | Use of an impact weapon (e.g., clubs, batons, flashlights) |
| INCLUDE | Use of an improvised weapon |
1.11.5 Other Force
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used another type of force to gain compliance from a person.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.11.6 Unknown Force
Breakdown description: The number of incidents in which agency staff used an unknown type of force to gain compliance from a person.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.12 Civilian Complaints Sustained
Preferred sharing frequency: Annually
Preferred time period: First day of calendar year to last day of calendar year
Metric description: The number of allegations of misconduct filed against agency staff that were sustained by an internal affairs unit or review board.
The civilian complaints sustained metric is based on the number of staff members investigated and sanctioned. If one complaint is related to three staff members, it should be counted as three complaints.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this metric, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Complaints sustained or substantiated |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints not sustained |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints unfounded |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints in which there was a violation of policy that does not amount to serious misconduct |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints in which the incident was found lawful and proper |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints filed but not yet resolved |
| EXCLUDE | Complaints submitted informally or not in writing |
| EXCLUDE | Duplicate complaints |
1.12.1 Excessive Uses of Force
Breakdown description: The number of allegations of misconduct filed against agency staff relating to excessive uses of force that were sustained by an internal affairs unit or conduct review board.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Incidents in which a use of force was deemed to be in violation of law or agency policy by an internal affairs unit or conduct review board |
1.12.2 Discrimination or Racial Bias
Breakdown description: The number of allegations of misconduct filed against agency staff relating to discrimination or racial bias that were sustained by an internal affairs unit or review board.
The Justice Counts preferred definition includes and excludes the following (if law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section):
| INCLUDE | Incidents in which an act of discrimination relating to race or ethnicity was deemed to have occurred |
| INCLUDE | Incidents in which an act of discrimination relating to religion was deemed to have occurred |
| INCLUDE | Incidents in which an act of discrimination relating to immigration status or county of origin was deemed to have occurred |
| INCLUDE | Incidents in which an act of discrimination relating to gender identity or expression was deemed to have occurred |
1.12.3 Other Complaints
Breakdown description: The number of allegations of misconduct filed against agency staff that were sustained by an internal affairs unit or review board and were not excessive uses of force or discrimination or racial bias.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.
1.12.4 Unknown Complaints
Breakdown description: The number of allegations of misconduct filed against agency staff of an unknown type that were sustained by an internal affairs unit or review board.
If law enforcement data cannot be shared discretely for this breakdown, please follow the sharing hierarchy outlined in the data characteristics section.