1 Crime Statistics Consider quantitative method towards gaining knowledge of crime - study objects, like natural science; measure, predict Focus today:

1

Crime StatisticsConsider quantitative method

towards gaining knowledge of crime

- study objects, like natural science; measure, predict

Focus today:

1.Official Statistics

2.Problems

3.Alternative Approaches

2

1. Official Statistics

Typically relate to crimes known to police

Most are ‘reported’

Then, police distribute resources, calculate ‘clear up rates’

But various weaknesses re these figures

3

2a. ‘Dark Figure’ of Crime

‘Hidden’ crimes not known to police

Unknown size

Varies between crimes – murder to traffic offence

4

2a. Hidden CrimeMany reasons for non-

reporting:- No victim- Victim unaware of crime- Victim in weak position- Victim sees offence as trivial - Victim fears repercussions- Victim protecting offender- Victim has low faith in CJS- Victim opposes illegal status

of offence

5

2b. Official Crime Statistics

Problems and differences in police recording of crime:

- More officers means more ‘crime’?

- Reported ‘crime’ not recorded- How crime is classified –

change categories suggests big rise in offences

- Historical change in status of crime e.g. domestic violence?

6

2c. Official Crime Statistics

Crime as a ‘social construct’

Different stages in the process

Wealthier, more powerful classes better at ‘negotiating’ way out at all stages (cf. Steven Box)

7

2c. Official Crime Statistics

i) Deviant act occurs – e.g. store ‘theft’, pub disturbance

ii) Reported – seriousness? victim’s social status?

iii) Taken seriously – routine, privacy, likely suspects?

8

2c. Official Crime Statisticsiv) Arrest – suspect’s status,

behaviour, record; risks; organizational ties.

v) Charge – ambiguity of offence; legal counsel; suspect’s social skills, status.

vi) Court – legal counsel; suspect’s social skills, status.

vii) Conviction – ditto.viii) Sentence – ditto. Then ix) – offender becomes a

criminal stat!

9

2d. Official Crime Statistics

Why worry re stats?

Problems re:- Explaining crime- Knowing about victims- Knowing about offenders- Developing social policies

10

3. Beyond Official StatisticsSelf-report and victim surveys e.g.

British Crime Survey:- Household surveys of

individuals- Random samples- Questionnaires- Questions re whether victims of

crime in past year- Questions re fear of crime- Personal details added- Everyday language

11

3. SurveysTend to:

- Point to higher levels of ‘criminality’

- Focus on particular criminality e.g. youth and drug use

- Point to huge differences in crimes reported e.g. vandalism rarely reported to police

- Highlight ‘at risk’ groups

- Greater focus on victims, effectiveness of policing, etc

- Comparisons over time/space

12

3. SurveysSome problems:- Household surveys often exclude high-

risk groups- Family crime- People lying- People forgetting - Meaning of ‘criminal’ act varies

Do influence sociologists, policymakers.Fit ‘crime management’, not ‘crime

solution’ political agendaLack focus on ‘white-collar crime’ –

massive frauds, insider dealing, etc

13

Recap- Official statistics hide ‘dark

figure’

- Underplay social construction of ‘crime’

- Consider alternative surveys

- Fit policy agenda; but still ignore crimes of powerful?