1. How often is the University Crime Dashboard updated?
The University Crime Dashboard is updated annually to ensure users have access to accurate and comprehensive crime data. We source the data for this dashboard directly from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), with updates typically received in the fall for the previous year. This collaboration ensures the reliability and consistency of the information presented. By aligning with the FBI’s reporting schedule, we provide a detailed view of crime trends, balancing the need for accuracy with the timeliness of the data.
2. Can I view crime stats for specific universities?
Yes! The data is reported to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) by university police agencies, allowing you to filter by university using the Feedback Form. We currently feature a selection of universities from the Houston area and across Texas, with plans to expand the list in the future. If there’s a specific university you’d like to see included, please let us know through our Feedback Form—we value your input!
3. What types of crimes are included in the University Crime Dashboard?
The University Crime Dashboard provides data on a wide range of serious offenses reported on university campuses. These include homicide, sexual offenses, weapon offenses, human trafficking, theft , drug violations, and aggravated assault. By covering these key crime categories, the dashboard offers a comprehensive view of campus safety trends and issues, helping users stay informed and make data-driven decisions.
4. Where does the data for the Dashboard come from?
The data for the dashboard is sourced from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), where university police departments report their crime data. This data is updated annually, ensuring a reliable and consistent reflection of crime trends on university campuses. By leveraging this authoritative source, the dashboard provides accurate and comprehensive information to help users understand campus safety trends.
5. Who can I contact if I want more information about the data?
We are committed to expanding our database. If you’d like us to add your university, or if you have suggestions for improvements, we’d love to hear from you! Just fill out our Feedback Form on the website, and our team will work on incorporating your input.
6. Can I report a crime through the dashboard?
Thank you for visiting The Glenda Gordy Research Center website. If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest police station.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept tip information through this platform. You may report anonymously through one of the following ways:
- Call our Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS (8477)
- Report online with our Tip Form
- Use our mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices.
Thank you for helping us keep Houston safe!
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The Foundation of Our Mission
The Glenda Gordy Research Center was founded with a clear purpose: to make crime data accessible and actionable for the Greater Houston Area. Since launching our interactive dashboards in September 2022, we’ve provided detailed insights into six felony-level crime categories, with data spanning from 2015 to today. These resources empower residents, local leaders, and law enforcement to make informed decisions and work collaboratively toward creating safer communities.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
Every dataset we present undergoes rigorous processing to ensure its accuracy and reliability. From extraction and transformation to analysis and presentation, our methodology is designed to maintain the integrity of our findings. While challenges persist due to inconsistencies in crime reporting and technical hurdles, our team remains dedicated to delivering trustworthy data. By addressing these complexities, we continue to provide the community with insights that drive meaningful action and foster transparency.
Why Crime Data is Essential for Houston Residents
By staying informed about crime statistics in Houston, you are taking the first step in ensuring safety for yourself and your community. Our crime data can be used for neighborhood safety plans, community policing efforts, and even local government decision-making. Public awareness of crime trends is essential for crime prevention, and our detailed data is a valuable resource for creating a safer environment for everyone.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Crime data is updated annually in alignment with the data release schedule from the FBI, but it’s important to note the scope of the data you’re viewing. For multi-year comparisons, the range is from January 1 of the start year to December 31 of the end year. For the current year, data reflects the most up-to-date numbers available, meaning it’s a year-to-date (YTD) figure. This ensures you’re accessing the most relevant insights for informed decision-making.
Specifically for the University Crime Dashboard, please keep in mind that if you notice an increase over the years for a specific crime, this may be the result of more universities beginning to report those crimes over time. For additional details or clarification, feel free to reach out via the feedback form, and we’d be happy to provide more comprehensive information.