Crime Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions

WHY IS THE CRIME INFORMATION
DIFFERENT IN 2008?

As you look at the Seattle Police crime statistics for 2008, you will notice differences in the format and style from previous years.  This is because the Department has converted to a new computer system for recording crime information.  With the new system, officers on patrol can not only file crime reports, but also look up details on prior incidents, from their cars. Starting in late 2007 and continuing into 2008, officers and civilians have been trained to use the new system as well as to ensure the accuracy of the statistics displayed in the crime statistics reports.

HOW DID BEAT BOUNDARIES FOR PRECINCTS
CHANGE IN 2008?

Also new in 2008 are changes to precinct and beat boundaries throughout the City.  These adjustments are one phase of the implementation of the Department’s Neighborhood Policing Project (NPP).  Another major phase of NPP will occur in 2009 when a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system becomes operational at the 9-1-1 Call Center.

HOW DOES SPD RESPOND TO CRIME TREND CHANGES?

The Department is getting help in addressing crime trends by the new officers that have been added to the force already and are now completing their training.  By the beginning of summer, an additional 45-50 officers will be deployed.  After hiring 111 new officers in 2008, the Department will be hiring an additional 80 officers during 2009.

[Find out more about SPD staffing and Neighborhood Policing] 

Other steps taken by the Department include adopting a task force approach to targeted crimes and crime areas and active participation in the Seattle Youth Violent Prevention Initiative taking place in three neighborhoods. 

WHAT ARE INDEX CRIMES/MAJOR CRIMES?

In order to compare statistical information on a national basis it was necessary to come up with a common definition for crime comparison, one that would transcend individual state laws, and create standardized definitions of crimes . This was done through defining serious and non-serious offenses.

“Major Crimes” is interchangable with "Part I Crimes". These are terms that refer to seven crimes designated by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting System as a basis for charting crime trends across the United States.  These seven crimes are: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, which comprise Violent Crimes; and burglary, larceny/theft and vehicle theft, which comprise Property Crimes.

Part I crimes are comprised primarily of serious felonies and Part II crimes are comprised of less serious felonies and misdemeanors. Together these two types of classifications make up the crimes reported in the Uniform Crime Reports.

WHAT ARE UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS ?

Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) is a Federal law enforcement program that provides a nationwide view of crime based on the submission of statistics by law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The committee on UCR of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) developed and initiated this voluntary national data collection effort in 1930 and still continues to advise the FBI on the conduct of the UCR program. The FBI collects and compiles data for law enforcement administration, operation, and management to give indications to the fluctuations in the level of crime in America.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN VIEWING
THESE CRIME REPORTS ?

The Seattle Police Department cautions against using crime and/or other police data to make decisions/comparisons regarding the safety of an area or the amount of crime.

Data provided represents only police services where a report was made and does not include other calls for police service.

This data does not reflect or certify "safe" or "unsafe" areas. When looking at crime statistics it is important to consider geography (business vs. residential), and major institutions that exist within the boundaries (i.e. hospitals, schools, parks, etc.) of the reporting areas.

Data will sometimes reflect where the crime was reported versus where the crime occurred.

Areas with a high volume of foot traffic or that are more densely populated may have more reported crime. This does not necessarily mean more crime occurs there, but that more crime is reported there.

ON THIS PAGE:

New Records System

New Beat Boundaries

Police Response

Index/Major Crimes

Uniform Crime Reports

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting

What to consider when viewing crime reports