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The FBI is required to collect data about hate crimes, but local police departments are not required to report the data. So the FBI data only represents volunta
by dv_dt 7y ago
The FBI is required to collect data about hate crimes, but local police departments are not required to report the data. So the FBI data only represents voluntary reporting.
- mc32 7y agoUnless that changes from year to year (NYC reports this year, but not next), this should still be representative of the overall trend. Interest groups, although well meaning, are like internal organizations preparing next year’s budget. Borderline issues cease to be borderline. (Was it domestic violence, was it hate? Obviously there is potential for both, but there’s interpretative subjectivity)
- dv_dt 7y agoUnless red areas become increasingly politicized and decide to report less or end reporting.
- mc32 7y agoBut that’s counterbalanced by blue areas who may be inclined to report more... Anyway, this is speculative. I think I trust the FBI to be more neutral than interested parties for these numbers.
- dv_dt 7y agoThe point is the FBI is a neutral collection point, but the source of data isn't as stable or systematic as those by advocacy groups trying to make more complete estimates.