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
CCM welcomes Sekyung Jang as Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
June 12, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Sekyung Jang, PhD, as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Music Therapy. Her faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026, and Jang will work with college leadership to develop a new program in Music Therapy at CCM in partnership with UC's College of Medicine and the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Jang is an educator, scholar and music therapist passionate about fostering a culture of learning in which students feel safe to explore new ideas, make mistakes, and freely and respectfully receive and give feedback. Jang’s teaching is characterized by a balanced combination of lectures, experiential learning opportunities, and discussion-based instruction that helps students integrate theory and practice.
UC grad and Honda employee helps race team win Indy 500
June 11, 2026
UC engineering graduate JP Suozzi helped driver Felix Rosenqvist win the Indianapolis 500 as a trackside engineer with Honda Racing. While on co-op with Meyer Shank Racing, Suozzi monitored Honda engine performance at the track, contributing to the closest finish in Indy 500 history.
Taking a second look at surgery eligibility for patients with lung cancer who smoke
June 11, 2026
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have found that patients who continue to smoke ahead of lung cancer surgery have a higher risk of pulmonary complications, but their short-term mortality rate is similar to patients who were able to stop smoking before surgery.. Their findings were published recently in the Journal of. American College of Surgeons