Crime Data Comparison
Stacey Tabor
CJA/314 - CRIMINOLOGY
October 11, 2012
STEVE FREITAS

Data Comparison
The rates of any crime in the database are extremely different based on location and population. The two areas that are selected for this paper were Akron, Ohio, based on that I have family that reside there and it was very interesting looking at the statistics in this area. Also, another area chosen was Altoona, Pennsylvania, based on several friends/family is from that area as well. This paper will cover crime data from 2007, 2008, 2009 based on Aggravated Assault cases in those areas. The statistics show dramatic changes within both areas over the years according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Reported Incidents The population of Akron, Ohio, was 699,760 in 2007. It is estimated that a total of 902 cases of aggravated assault was reported. In comparison the population of Altoona, Pennsylvania was 125,800 and the total population of reported cases of aggravated assault was 238. Altoona had a vastly smaller population than Akron and in turn had much less reported cases of aggravated assault. (Crime in the United States by Metropolitan Statistical Area 2007.) In 2008 the population of each area did not change very much. Akron increased by 154 people placing them at a population of 699,914, and Altoona decreased to a population of 125,036 dropping their total population by 764 people. Akron in 2008 had 1,137 reported aggravated assault cases and Altoona had 246 reported aggravated assault cases. (Crime in the United States by Metropolitan Statistical Area 2008.) In 2009 the population of each area increased. Akron had a large increase of 1,018 more people. Altoona’s population increased by only 33 people. Akron’s reported aggravated assault cases jumped to 1,248 an increase of 111 reported cases. However, Altoona’s reported aggravated assault cases only went up to 249. (Crime in the United States by Metropolitan Statistical Area, 2009.)
Rate of Crime in Area Altoona, Pennsylvania, had an approximate population of only 17.96% of Akron, Ohio. In 2008 it decreased to 17.86% of that of Akron, Ohio. In 2009 it was at 17.84% of that of Akron, Ohio. Even with these percentages Altoona, Pennsylvania, did not fall below 19.95% of aggravated assaults reported to law enforcement in Akron, Ohio. Conducting a comparison of population between both metro areas shows Altoona experienced 26.38% of Akron’s aggravated assault cases in 2007, 21.63% in 2008, and finally 19.95 in 2009. When comparing statistical data is helpful to note that reported crime rates was based on known occurrences of the crime in a given area. Every year there is numerous crimes committed in every metropolitan city that go unreported to the proper law enforcement agency. Statistical data is only as good as the reporting of the crimes in each city.
Rate Change Akron, Ohio, in 2007 had an aggravated assault rate of 128.9 per 100,000 residents. Altoona, Pennsylvania, had an aggravated assault rate of 189.2 per 100,000 residents.
Akron, Ohio, in 2008 had an aggravated assault rate of 162.4 per 100,000 residents a truly significant increase from 2007. Altoona, Pennsylvania, had an aggravated assault rate of 126.2 per 100,000 residents, which was a excellent improvement over 2007.
The reported incidents of aggravated assault have fluxgate a large amount over the years, and this can be caused by many factors to include the economy, housing, population, and increase in criminal organizations in the area.

Factors leading to Crime Rates for Given Area In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the psychological effects of a poor economy may be a leading factor in the large increase in reported aggravated assault cases. The fall in the economy can greatly affect the crime rates at metropolitan cities. In Akron, Ohio, the rate of aggravated assault increased from 2007-2008, and from 2008-2009. The population only increased by 154 people from 2007-2008, and by 1018 from 2008-2009. Population growth could not be seen as a cause in the increase in reported aggravated assault cases. Akron was going through economic struggles during these time periods and again economic issues can be a large factor in increased crime rates. Lack of jobs and increase in lower income families has been shown to be leading causes of crime rate increases.

References
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Crime Statistics (2007). Retrieved on October 11, 2012 from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucr