In 2008, I suggested that the Wall Street Journal’s Carl Bialik look into the under-reporting of murders by the City of Houston:
Houston has been undercounting its murders in recent years, according to a local television-news investigation. The developing story, which this week raised the ire of a Texas Congressman and former judge, has illustrated two unfortunate facets of crime statistics: (1) They are self-reported, and therefore subject to fudging; and (2) Despite their weaknesses, the stats have a broad influence.