Whenever crime statistics are presented in the media, they are usually referred to as Index crimes. The Uniform Crime Reporting program was implemented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1929 to standardize crime reporting across the country. Seven major or Index crime categories were selected and reporting criteria established for each. An eighth category, arson, was added later. Following is the FBI�s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) definition of each Index crime:

Murder - (and non-negligent manslaughter) is the willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another. Not included in this category are deaths caused by negligence, suicide, accidents, justifiable homicides. Neither are attempts to murder or assaults to murder which are classified as aggravated assaults.

Forcible Rape - is the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Assaults or attempts to commit rape by force or threat of force are included; however, statutory rape (without force) and other sex offenses are excluded.

Robbery - is the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the person in fear.

Aggravated Assault - is an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. A weapon is usually but not always involved. Threats with a weapon are included if a personal confrontation is involved.

Burglary - is the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. Burglary can consist of forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is required, and attempted forcible entry.

Larceny/Theft - is the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Included are such crimes as shoplifting, pocket-picking, purse-snatching, thefts from motor vehicles, thefts of motor vehicle parts and accessories, bicycle thefts, etc., in which no use of force, violence, or fraud occurs.

Motor Vehicle Theft - is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters, buses, snowmobiles, etc.