Researchers conducted interviews with 51 Federal, State, and local agencies to determine whether they collect data on minors' sobriety at the time of crime or arrest. In addition, an extensive literature search was conducted, and 13 interviews were conducted with researchers to determine whether they had been able to measure alcohol's role in youth crime. The study found that no agencies regularly maintain such data. Although several agencies mentioned that they had such data, it proved to be inaccessible or inherently biased. Further, this study was unable to collect its own statistics. All data-collection methods presented barriers that prohibited researchers from obtaining useful, reliable data. National youth surveys do not address this issue. U.S. Department of Justice researchers at times have attempted to determine the extent to which youth alcohol use is associated with criminal activity. These studies, which are limited to serious juvenile offenders, have found a strong association between alcohol use and criminal activity. Other studies and articles report alcohol's involvement in crimes of aggression, including murder and rape. Technological advances, such as a computerized national crime reporting system, may assist researchers in studying the link between underage drinking and crime. Appended list of contacts and a 41-item bibliography