There are 28 Group A crime categories made up of 71 Group A offenses.  NIBRS contributors should use the following criteria to determine if a crime should be designated as a Group A offense:

• The seriousness or significance of the offense.

• The frequency or volume of its occurrence.

• The prevalence of the offense nationwide.

• The probability LE becomes aware of the offense.

• The likelihood LE is the best channel for collecting data regarding the offense.

• The burden placed on LE in collecting data on the offense.

• The national statistical validity and usefulness of the data collected.

• The national UCR Program’s responsibility to make crime data available not only to LE but to others having a legitimate interest in it.

The UCR Program does not collect information on traffic offenses (e.g., parking and moving violations) except for Driving Under the Influence, Hit and Run (of a person), and Vehicular Manslaughter.

Each NIBRS offense belongs in one of three categories Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Crimes Against Society. Crimes Against Persons, e.g., Murder, Rape, and Assault, are those offenses whose victims are always individuals. The object of Crimes Against Property, e.g., Robbery, Bribery, and Burglary, is to obtain money, property, or some other benefit. Crimes Against Society, e.g., Animal Cruelty, Drug Violations, Gambling, and Prostitution, represent society’s prohibition against engaging in certain types of activity.

NIBRS assigned a separate numbering series to the 13 Group B crime categories consisting of 13 Group B offenses. The numbering series used 90 for the first two characters of each Group B offense and designated an alpha character for the third position.

Group B offenses are also called arrest reports, since an arrest HAS to be made for a Group B offense.