We use biological sex in crime data reporting to maintain consistency, reliability, and alignment with how data is currently collected and categorized by most law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions. We have a number of law enforcement agencies who utilize our data as a resource for helping with cold or unsolved cases. This approach ensures accuracy when comparing data across jurisdictions and over time. By storing and displaying self-identifying genders on a specific case, it may actual impede the ability for law enforcement to solve a case.
Yes, using gender identity is more inclusive in many social contexts. However, crime data reporting often requires standardization based on how individuals are documented at the time of arrest, processing, or conviction. Most current legal and criminal justice systems rely on biological sex classifications, not self-identified gender, for operational and historical reasons.
Biological sex refers to physical and physiological attributes, such as chromosomes, hormone levels, and reproductive anatomy, typically recorded at birth as male or female.
Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of self as male, female, a blend of both, neither, or something else.
While both are important in different contexts, crime reporting and analysis traditionally focus on biological sex because that data is used in risk assessment, incarceration decisions, and statistical analysis.
Not at all. We recognize and respect the importance of gender identity in personal, medical, and social contexts. However, for purposes of crime reporting and statistical consistency, we follow existing standards used in criminal justice systems, which currently categorize individuals by biological sex.
We continuously monitor changes in criminal justice practices and reporting standards. If national or local law enforcement agencies adopt frameworks that incorporate gender identity into official records and crime statistics, we will adapt our reporting methods to reflect those changes.
Whenever possible, we aim to include contextual information in a respectful manner. However, because we report data as it is provided by official sources (e.g., police records, court documents), our classifications reflect how those institutions categorize individuals, which may not include self-identified gender unless it is legally recognized and documented.
We strive to use respectful, accurate, and neutral language. We understand that discussions around gender and identity are deeply personal and sensitive, and we are committed to minimizing harm while maintaining data integrity and legal alignment.