NIBRS Tip: Sex Offender Sting Operation

NIBRS Tip: Sex Offender Sting Operation

Sex Offender Sting Operation:

When a law enforcement officer poses as a victim to catch an offender violating the law.

How is the victim’s sex, race, and age described if an offender is actually communicating with an officer rather than a juvenile?

The victim would be Individual (I) and the descriptors should be the fictitious demographics used during the communications.

What would the offense be?

It depends on the circumstances - possible offenses could be:

Attempted Human Trafficking,
Attempted Rape, or
Attempted Statutory Rape

Note: If the offender is arrested for Communication with A Minor, this should be reported as an “All Other Offense” (90Z).


    • Related Articles

    • NIBRS Tip: Death by Drugs

      Death by Drugs What is reported to NIBRS if an individual dies after taking drugs?  If the individual voluntarily consumed drugs and died either accidentally or by suicide, the offense is not reportable to NIBRS.  If the individual is forced to ...
    • NIBRS Tip: Arson versus Reckless Burning

      Arson vs. Reckless Burning In Georgia and TN: Arson involves the intentional and malicious setting of fire, while reckless burning involves starting a fire with a reckless disregard for the consequences. The FBI definition for Arson includes the ...
    • NIBRS Tip: Reporting Hit and Run Incidents

      Reporting Hit and Run Incidents The FBI NIBRS User Manual states that the vehicle-related offense of Hit and Run (of a person) can be reported as a Group A offense or a Group B offense. What would the offenses be? If proven to be intentional or "an ...
    • NIBRS Tip: Victim to Offender Relationships for Domestic Violence

      Victim to Offender Relationships for Domestic Violence Statutory Definition of Family or Household Member:  Spouses or former spouses  Persons with a child in common  Adult persons related by blood or marriage  Adult persons residing together ...
    • NIBRS Tip: Exceptional Clearances

      Exceptional Clearances The data element “Cleared Exceptionally” indicates whether or not a law enforcement agency cleared the incident by exceptional means; in a multiple-offense incident, the exceptional clearance of one offense clears the entire ...