American Behavioral Scientist 2015, Vol. 59(12) 1562–1587 © 2015 SAGE Publications Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0002764215588813 abs.sagepub.com Article Assessing the “Statistical Accuracy” of the National Incident-Based Reporting System Hate Crime Data James J. Nolan 1 , Stephen M. Haas 2 , Erica Turley 2 , Jake Stump 1 , and Christina R. LaValle 2 Abstract The current study introduces a method to assess hate crime classification error in a state Incident-Based Reporting System. The study identifies and quantifies the “statistical accuracy” of aggregate hate crime data and provides insight from frontline officers about thought processes involved with classifying bias offenses. Random samples of records from two city and two county agencies provided data for the study. A systematic review of official case narratives determined hate crime classification error using state and federal definitions. A focus group sought to inquire about officers’ handling of hate crimes. Undercounting of hate crimes in official data was evident. When error rates were extrapolated, National Incident-Based Reporting System Group A hate crimes were undercounted by 67%. Officers’ responses validated complications involved with classifying hate crimes, particularly, incidents motivated “in part” by bias. Classification errors in reporting hate crimes have an impact on the statistical accuracy of official hate crime statistics. Officers’ offense descriptions provided greater awareness to issues with accurately interpreting and classifying hate crimes. The results yield useful information for officer training, understanding the true magnitude of these crimes, and a precursor for adjusting crime statistics to better estimate the “true” number of hate crimes in the population. Keywords hate crimes, hate crime data, hate crime classification 1 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA 2 West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, Office of Research and Strategic Planning, Charleston, WV, USA Corresponding Author: James J. Nolan, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6326, 309 Knapp Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. Email: jim.nolan@mail.wvu.edu 588813ABS XX X 10.1177/0002764215588813American Behavioral ScientistNolan et al. research-article 2015 by guest on September 26, 2015 abs.sagepub.com Downloaded from