The dark figure of crime is a source of error in crime statistics, and a source of consternation for criminologists. This dark figure refers to the number of crimes undisclosed to the police and the subsequent exclusion of such crimes from official crime indices. White collar crimes represent a significant portion of unreported offenses. Since crime indices form the basis for policy analysis, program planning and evaluation, and research the dark figure of crime presents a serious problem for society.
Experts estimate that less than 40 percent of all serious crime is reported to the police (Pursley, 1994; Walker, 1993). Larceny, the category that includes certain white collar crimes, has the lowest reporting rate of any serious crime (Pursley, 1994, p. 102). Victims are more likely to report crimes that involve substantial dollar amounts or crimes that involve personal injury.
The primary, and the oldest, means for gathering crime statistics in the United States is the Uniform Crime Report Program (UCR). The UCR compiles statistics for Part I (index offenses) and Part II (other offenses). The eight crime categories in the Part I index are used as a barometer to measure changes in the incidence of crime. Part I offenses are murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson. These offenses are known collectively as the Crime Index, and are watched closely for trends.
White collar crime offenses are tabulated under the heading of larceny-theft of Part I (index offenses) in the UCR. In general, criminal law defines larceny as the taking and carrying away of personal property of another with the intent of permanently depriving the victim of the property. Under the definition of property is included money, personal property, computer data, or anything of value. In most states, larceny is categorized according to degree based on the dollar ...