In 2021–2023 the FBI transitioned from the old
Summary Reporting System (SRS) to a more detailed system called
NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System).
Some departments were slow to switch software and didn’t initially submit data in the new format. That created
temporary gaps in early releases, especially in 2021 and early 2022.
But two important facts:
- The FBI did not “stop collecting” crime data.
- The FBI later filled gaps using updated submissions and statistical estimation.
- By 2023–2024, participation exceeded 90% of the U.S. population.
The FBI itself publicly explained this transition issue in its annual crime reports.