The Crime Index is composed of selected offenses used to gauge fluctuations in the overall volume and rate of crime reported to law enforcement. In 1996, there were an estimated 5,079 Crime Index offenses for each 100,000 persons in the United States population, the lowest rate since 1984.
All violent crimes involve force or threat of force.
Forcible Rape Forcible rape, as defined in the program, is the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. Attempts are included, since it is not necessary that an injury result when a gun, knife or other weapon is used, which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed. Property Crime Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.