Police recorded crime
- Police recorded crime statistics count crimes reported to and recorded by the police.
- They miss the "dark figure" of crime: crimes that are not reported or not recorded.
- Reasons for not reporting: the crime seemed too trivial, fear of the offender, distrust of the police, embarrassment, or the victim didn't realise a crime had happened.
Victim surveys
- The Crime Survey for England and Wales asks a large sample of people about crimes they have experienced, whether or not they reported them.
- It gives a fuller picture, including unreported crime, but misses some crimes (such as crimes against businesses or victimless crimes) and relies on people's memory and honesty.
Self-report studies
- Self-report studies ask people to reveal crimes they have committed.
- They can uncover hidden crime and offenders who were never caught, but people may lie or exaggerate.
Using the data
- Sociologists compare sources to get a more accurate picture of crime. Changes in statistics can reflect changes in reporting and recording, not just changes in crime.
Key terms
- Police recorded crime
- Crimes reported to and recorded by the police.
- Dark figure of crime
- Crime that is not reported or recorded.
- Victim survey
- A survey asking people about crimes they have experienced.
- Crime Survey for England and Wales
- A large victim survey.
- Self-report study
- A survey asking people about crimes they have committed.
- Victimless crime
- A crime without a clear victim, such as drug use.