Recording Crime Accurately - Applying the National Standard
30-November-2006
Before April 2002 crime recording relied on the police making an assessment that, in their view, there was positive evidence that a crime had been committed. The new national standard takes a victim orientated approach, with a report of a crime been recorded unless there is credible evidence to the contrary.
One effect of the new standard was to increase the level of recorded crimes, particularly in relation to minor violent crime where there was little or no injury.
Accurate crime recording is important as it enables the police to target crime hotspots. In addition, the public can more accurately assess the performance of a police force compared to other forces.
The Authority has continued to monitor the Constabulary's progress in implementing the national standard.
National standards are now being set for recording when crimes are detected and for incident recording as well.
Lots more national background information on crime statistics can be found at
http://www.crimestatistics.org.uk/output/page107.asp