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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
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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
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2a. ‘Dark Figure’ of Crime
‘Hidden’ crimes not known to police
Unknown size
Varies between crimes – murder to traffic offence
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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
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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?
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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)
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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?
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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!
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2d. Official Crime Statistics
Why worry re stats?
Problems re:- Explaining crime- Knowing about victims- Knowing about offenders- Developing social policies
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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
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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
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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
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Recap- Official statistics hide ‘dark
figure’
- Underplay social construction of ‘crime’
- Consider alternative surveys
- Fit policy agenda; but still ignore crimes of powerful?