Underreporting is a well-documented challenge in crime data, but our models successfully overcome this issue. By modeling crime risk conditions rather than relying solely on reported incidents, our scores reduce the distortion caused by uneven reporting rates across locations. We do this by carefully validating the crime data we receive and use to predict risk nationwide to ensure that reporting volumes match expected levels and are recorded with the proper standards.

CAP Index employs a dedicated team of Ph.D. criminologists, sociologists, and statisticians who design, maintain, and refine our models. Our methodology is the result of more than 30 years of continuous research and applied crime modeling, not a marketing-driven algorithm. Our team continuously looks to improve the collection of crime data that serves as the foundation for our risk model, as well as the statistical sophistication of the model to ensure our scores are the most accurate they can be.

Yes. CAP Index scores are standardized to evaluate comparable crime risk across all geographies, enabling organizations to assess relative risk consistently across portfolios, regions, and markets. A higher score always represents higher crime risk compared to the national average, allowing for clear, defensible comparisons.

Our scores are proven to be accurate. We publish annual validation studies demonstrating that our crime risk scores consistently correlate with actual crime incidents not used in the initial score development. This ongoing validation process ensures transparency, reliability, and legal defensibility when scores are used to support high-stakes decisions.