The university Police Department participates in a national crime reporting program known as Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). Crime data on particular crimes known as the "crime index" is submitted by this agency on a monthly basis. When this data is included with that of other law enforcement agencies, the comparison and analysis of crime trends becomes possible on a national scale.

Historically, the UCR program began in 1930 after development by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Currently the Federal Bureau of Investigation serves as the national clearing house for statistical information on crime. The program is in constant stages of revision as there are some variances in reporting procedures and definitions between states (i.e., Wisconsin) and the federal level.

The below list indicates the category of crimes known as the "crime index" for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. This is as reported to the University Police, which in turn has been reported to UCR. It does not reflect all crime, nor does it indicate arrests, unfounded cases, clearance, reduced charges, etc., which generally develop after investigation.