CD7 Measuring Crime Flashcards
Trend in Crime 1930-1950,
30’s to 40’s
50’s to 80’s,
80’s to 90’s
and
90’s to 2016
30’s to 50’s = Gradual Rise In Crime
50’s to 80’s = Steeper Rise In Crime
80’s to 90’s = Rapid increase
90’s to 2016 = Gradual annual decline
Trend in Crime 1930-1950, add more detail to the following data
30’s to 50’s = Gradual Rise In Crime
50’s to 80’s = Steeper Rise In Crime
80’s to 90’s = Rapid increase
90’s to 2016 = Gradual annual decline
30’s to 50’s = Gradual Rise In Crime –end of the war, returning soldiers feeling frustrated. Rise in standard of living. Leading to relative deprivation.
50’s to 80’s = Steeper Rise In Crime –Time of economic growth and social anomie with changes in the role of women and wider society.
80’s to 90’s = Rapid increase –Time of economic recession which led to higher relative deprivation and unemployment.
90’s to 2016 = Gradual annual decline –Could be due to changes in the reporting, New types of crime which are not included. E.g. Cyber crime
What is the Official Crime Rate?
The statistics that are complied using police, court and prison records.
What is the British Crime Survey?
Statistics which are complied through victim surveys and self report survey’s. 50,000 people over the age of 16 are asked annually if they have been a victim or crime.
Explanation of Police recorded crime
Police Recorded Crime
These are the statistics compiled based on the reports filed by the police. These are crimes which are investigated by the police. They may not end in a conviction or court case.
Explanation of victim surveys
Victim Surveys
Part of the British Crime Survey, 50,000 people are asked if they were a victim of crime in the past12 months
Explanation of court records
Court Records
Compiled with which cases are taken to prosecution. They include information about the defendants, victims and types of crime as well as the results of case (Guilty or Not Guilty)
Explanation of prison records
Prison records
Looks at the composition of the prison system including: Ethnic makeup, gender, age and class. Also looks at length of sentence and recidivism rates.
Explanation of self report surveys
Self Report Survey
Self report surveys ask people if they have committed a crime in the last 12 months. These are conducted along side victim surveys annually. Around 50,000 people over 16 are asked.
5 Sources of crime Statistics
Police Recorded Crime
Victim Surveys
Court Records
Prison records
Self Report Survey
Evaluation of police recorded crime
Police Recorded Crime
. Not all crimes that are reported to the police are recorded by the police.
Evaluation of victim surveys
Victim Surveys
. People don’t always know they are victims of crime.
. May record crimes as something different to the police.
. Relies on memory.
Evaluation of court records
Court Records
. Only records crimes that are taken to court.
. Crimes can be reported and not taken to court for various reasons such as lack of evidence or a pre-trial deal.
Evaluation of prison records
Prison Records
Not all crimes are punished with a custodial sentence. Middle class criminals are more likely to get a fine or suspended sentence. This can lead to court records being biased towards the working cl
Evaluation of self-report surveys
Self-Report Survey
People may not know if they have committed a crime as some crimes are not seen as real crime(e.g. Speeding), also relies on memory and truthfulness.
