Definitions of Categories of Group A Offenses

For practical purposes of measuring the trend and distribution of crime on the National and State level, the definitions for crime in the Incident Based Reporting (IBR) Program are generic in order not to exclude varying state and Federal statutes relating to the same type of crime. The definitions which were developed for IBR are not meant to be used for charging persons with crimes. Essential to the maintaining of uniform and consistent data is the establishment of standard definitions which are used for the State and National Programs.

The IBR Group A Offense Categories and their definitions are:

Arson -

Definition on Page 37

Assault -

Definition on Page 22

Bribery -

The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of anything of value (i.e., a bribe, gratuity, or kickback) to sway the judgment or action of a person in a position of trust or influence.

Burglary -

Definition on Page 26

Counterfeiting/Forgery -

The altering, copying, or imitation of something, without authority or right, with the intent to deceive or defraud by passing the copy or thing altered or imitated as that which is original or genuine; or the selling, buying, or possession of an altered, copied, or imitated thing with the intent to deceive or defraud.

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property -

To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Drug/Narcotic Offenses -

The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use. (Includes drugs and equipment violations)

Embezzlement -

The unlawful misappropriation by an offender to his/her own use or purpose of money, property, or some other thing of value entrusted to his/her care, custody, or control.

Extortion/Blackmail -

To unlawfully obtain money, property, or any other thing of value, either tangible or intangible, through the use or threat of force, misuse of authority, threat of criminal prosecution, threat of destruction of reputation or social standing, or through other coercive means.

Fraud Offenses -

The intentional perversion of the truth for the purpose of inducing another person or other entity in reliance upon it to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right. (Includes false pretenses/swindle/confidence game, credit card/automatic teller machine, impersonation, welfare, and wire frauds)

Gambling Offenses -

To unlawfully bet or wager money or something else of value; assist, promote, or operate a game of chance for money or some other stake; possess or transmit wagering information; manufacture, sell, purchase, possess, or transport gambling equipment, devices, or goods; or tamper with the outcome of a sporting event or contest to gain a gambling advantage. (Includes betting/wagering, operating/promoting/assisting, gambling equipment and sports tampering violations)

Homicide -

Definition on Page 9

Kidnaping/Abduction -

The unlawful seizure, transportation, and/or detention of a person against his/her will, or of a minor without the consent of his/her custodial parent(s) or legal guardian.

Larceny/Theft -

Definition on Page 30

Motor Vehicle Theft -

Definition on Page 33

Pornography/Obscene Material -

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, publishing, sale, purchase, or possession of sexually explicit material, e.g., literature, photographs, etc.

Prostitution Offenses -

To unlawfully engage in or promote sexual activities for profit. (Also includes assisting)

Robbery -

Definition on Page 18

Sex Offenses, Forcible & Nonforcible -

Definition on Page 13

Stolen Property Offenses -

Receiving, buying, selling, possessing, concealing, or transporting any property with the knowledge that it has been unlawfully taken, as by burglary, embezzlement, fraud, larceny, robbery, etc.

Weapon Law Violations -

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.