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.

For agencies that share law enforcement and jail oversight functions

Whenever possible, agencies should share only data related to jails in “Jails” metrics(jails.html) and share only data related to law enforcement functions separately here in “Law Enforcement” metrics. We understand that it may not be possible to disaggregate metrics such as funding, expenses, and staff when they are shared across agency functions. In instances where jails and law enforcement data cannot be disaggregated, please share combined data for jails and law enforcement in “Jails” metrics and leave “Law Enforcement” metrics blank. For metrics showing combined data, please add a contextual note when prompted to explain that the figures include data for multiple Justice Counts sectors.

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.

Note regarding charge/offense type breakdowns

The offense categories described below align with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) offense classifications and definitions, with two exceptions: 1) Justice Counts continues to recommend counting robbery as a person offense, rather than property, though agencies can choose to comply with the NIBRS change in that categorization, and 2) the NIBRS “Crime Against Society” category has been split into two groups: public order offenses and drug offenses. For incidents in which there were multiple offenses, please apply a hierarchy rule and share data according to the most serious offense (as determined by the agency). If your agency does not have a hierarchy rule, we recommend following the summary reporting model of crimes against persons considered most serious, followed by crimes against property, public order offenses, and drug offenses. Also note that the terminology in these offense categories is drawn directly from NIBRS and does not necessarily reflect the preferred language and values of the CSG Justice Center.

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
Note about gender identity metrics

Justice Counts is working to determine the best way to account for gender identity through this initiative. More information is forthcoming in early 2023.

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
Note regarding staff vacancy

Vacancy by staff type is an issue that all subcommittees have raised as critical to consider for inclusion in the Tier 2 metrics and has been included on initial voting slates for consideration. Tier 2 metrics are scheduled to be released in May 2023.

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.

Note about gender identity metrics

Justice Counts is working to determine the best way to account for gender identity through this initiative. More information is forthcoming in early 2023.

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.

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 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.

Note about gender identity metrics

Justice Counts is working to determine the best way to account for gender identity through this initiative. More information is forthcoming in early 2023.

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.