(This article was originally published at The DO Loop, and syndicated at StatsBlogs.)
This past weekend was Father's Day, so I took some time to relax and read the newspaper. I found several stories that suggested interesting statistical questions. Unfortunately, the data are not available for analysis. Nevertheless, the stories are worth sharing. Over the next few days, I'll post my thoughts on several stories that have statistical content. Here's the first.
US reveals accusations against Secret Service
This story reports that the US Secret Service has been accused multiple times since 2004 of "involvement with prostitutes, ... sexual assault, ... improper use of weapons and drunken behavior." My statistical mind wonders whether the proportion of reported accusations for the Secret Service is any different than for other security organizations, such as for US military personnel or US police officers. If the proportion of Secret Service members who have been accused of misbehavior is no different from other security personnel, why is this case generating such national interest, including an investigation in the Senate? Does the US hold the Secret Service to a higher standard than police officers and military personnel? Should it?
For that matter, I wonder how the proportion of Secret Service accusations compares to the proportion of accused misconduct of members of congress?
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