Murder is the willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another. This classification is based solely on police investigation as opposed to the determination of a court, medical examiner, coroner, etc. Not included in the count for this offense classification are deaths caused by negligence, suicide or accident; justifiable homicides; and attempts to murder or assaults to murder which are classed as aggravated assaults.
Rape is the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Assaults or attempts to commit rape by force or threat of force are also included. However, statutory rape (without force) and other sex offenses are excluded.
Robbery is the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control of a person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
Aggravated Assault is an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. Attempts are included since it is not necessary that an injury result when a gun, knife or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.
Burglary is the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft. The use of force to gain entry is not necessary to classify an offense as a burglary. It is not necessary to have completed the felony or theft for the offense to be classified as burglary; entry with the intent is sufficient.
Larceny/Theft is the unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. It includes crimes such as shoplifting, pocket-picking, purse snatching, thefts from motor vehicles, thefts of motor vehicle parts, thefts of bicycles, etc., in which no force, violence or fraud occurs. Under UCR standards, this does not include embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, extortion, worthless checks, etc. Motor vehicle theft is also excluded since it is a separate category. Under this classification, the value of the item(s) taken (which might determine whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony) is not taken into consideration
Motor Vehicle Theft is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. It includes the stealing of automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, etc. The definition excludes the taking of a motor vehicle for temporary use by those persons having lawful access.