How to find and understand crime data
UC criminal justice expert speaks to public safety and statistics on WVXU radio show
Cory Haberman, director of the Institute of Crime Science at the University of Cincinnati, was among a panel of experts who discussed public safety, and the significance and interpretation of crime statistics, on a WVXU radio show.
Haberman, an associate professor in the UC School of Criminal Justice, explains that the public’s perception of crime is often shaped by what he calls “signal crimes” — incidents that are particularly shocking, happen in public or involve well-known people. These incidents, he says, tend to dominate the news and shape public opinion, even if overall crime isn’t increasing.
Haberman stressed that while such incidents are serious and shouldn’t be dismissed, they aren’t necessarily evidence of a larger crime wave. Instead, he encourages people to look at long-term data trends to get a more accurate picture of what’s happening in their city.
The panel pointed out that crime data can be complex, with differences depending on how you define crime, which neighborhoods you examine and which time periods you compare. They suggest that taking a broader, more analytical view can help separate perception from reality.
In short, while concern about crime is understandable, the experts emphasized that it’s important to examine what the data shows before drawing conclusions.
Listen to the WVXU radio show.
Featured image at top of computer screen with multi-colored data markers: iStock Photo/da-kuk
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next lives here.
Related Stories
UC expands partnership with Thales for AI research
April 22, 2026
The University of Cincinnati’s interdisciplinary research facility Digital Futures welcomed its first industrial partner, Thales, at the beginning of Research + Innovation week. Thales is a global aerospace, defense and digital technology firm. Headquartered in France, it employs 83,000 people in dozens of countries, according to the Business Courier.
BearcatGPT: UC becomes first Ohio university to offer AI platform
April 22, 2026
Local news media highlight UC's private AI platform, BearcatGPT, that offers a suite of tools for students, faculty and staff.
Record-setting UC track and field star sprints toward the future
April 22, 2026
University of Cincinnati student‑athlete Juliette Laracuente‑Huebner is graduating in three years with a 4.0 GPA, UC track and field records and All‑America honors, while pursuing a Doctor of Audiology and training for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.