WJEC A2 Unit 3, Crime and Deviance - Measuring Crime

WJEC A2 Unit 3, Crime WJEC A2 Unit 3, Crime and Deviance - and Deviance - Measuring CrimeMeasuring Crime

Methods of measuring crime

Official statistics OCR or PRC Victim surveys BCS or CSEW Self-report studies What are they looking for? Trend – a change over time Pattern – a link between one variable and

another e.g criminality and gender.

Crime and Deviance Chapter 2: Measuring Crime 219/04/23


Crime Trend in the UK Over TimeCrime Trend in the UK Over Time

This growth in crime is generally reflected globally.

This growth in crime is generally reflected globally.

However, rates are still low in Japan, Singapore, and Scandinavian countries.

However, rates are still low in Japan, Singapore, and Scandinavian countries.

Totalitarian states tend to have lower crime rates.

Totalitarian states tend to have lower crime rates.


Reasons For The Rise in CrimeReasons For The Rise in CrimeMore state action: as policing gets better more crimes are detected.

More state action: as policing gets better more crimes are detected.

More laws: Because of more legislation on the statute book, there are more possible crimes (traffic offences, financial fraud, computer related crimes, etc.)

More laws: Because of more legislation on the statute book, there are more possible crimes (traffic offences, financial fraud, computer related crimes, etc.)

More sensitivity: People are more sensitive to reporting crimes physical and sexual violence to the police.

More sensitivity: People are more sensitive to reporting crimes physical and sexual violence to the police.

More victims: Because of increased affluence there are more things to steal. As opportunities have risen, so have crimes.

More victims: Because of increased affluence there are more things to steal. As opportunities have risen, so have crimes.


The Official Crime Rate (OCR)

In 1998, common assault, possession of a weapon, assault on a constable and harassment, were added to recorded crime.

In 1998, common assault, possession of a weapon, assault on a constable and harassment, were added to recorded crime.


Type of Crime

Theft and handling stolen property 2,027,516

Total violent crime 1,184,702

Burglary 679,973

Criminal damage 1,185,388

Fraud and forgery 278,902

Drug offences 142,338

Robbery 121,200

Sex offences 60,946

Other notifiable offences 63,872

Total all offences 5,562,691

Official Crime Rate Figures By Crime 2004-05


Prison Populations


The prison population at 31 December 2011 was 86,172, an increase of 3,117 (4 per cent) compared to 31 December 2010 when the total population was 83,055. This increase includes the impact of the public disorder in UK cities from 6 to 9 August 2011 which resulted in immediate growth in the prison population by around 900 prisoners. Since then the number of prisoners held for public disorder related offences has stayed around 900.

Patterns in crime


At 31 December 2011, there were: 82,112 males in prison - a rise of 4 per cent over the year 4,060 females in prison - a rise of 1 per cent over the year


Official Crime Rate has been falling since 2002


Is this a trend or a pattern?

Write a short paragraph explaining recent patterns and trends in crime.http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/crime/crime-statistics/police-recorded-crime/

Recap questions


Explain some reasons why crime is a social constructionWhat do official statistics tell us about typical criminals?Explain the difference between a pattern and a trend.Explain the trend in crime rates since the 1930s and then since 2002.Why did statistics show a sudden increase in crime in 1998?What does this show about the production of crime statistics?

Do official crime statistics give us an accurate picture of crime?


Objectives:1.To be able to give at least 3 reasons why under-reporting and under-recording of crimes takes place.2.To be able to give examples of crimes which are under-reported and under-recorded.3. To write a clear definition of the hidden figure of crime.

The Hidden figure of crime


How does a crime become a statistic in the OCR?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzdTiM5wS_c

Jot down reasons why people do not report crimes

Are there any reasons why the police may not record crimes?


British Crime Survey (BCS) a British Crime Survey (BCS) a victim surveyvictim survey

The BCS measures the amount of crime in England and Wales by asking 40,000 people about crimes they have experienced in the last year. As of this year it is now called ‘Crime in England and Wales’

The BCS measures the amount of crime in England and Wales by asking 40,000 people about crimes they have experienced in the last year. As of this year it is now called ‘Crime in England and Wales’

The BCS includes crimes which are not reported to the police, so it is an important alternative to the Official Crime Rate.

The BCS includes crimes which are not reported to the police, so it is an important alternative to the Official Crime Rate.

Victims do not report crime for various reasons. Without the BCS the government would have no information on these unreported crimes.

Victims do not report crime for various reasons. Without the BCS the government would have no information on these unreported crimes.


Recent Crime RatesRecent Crime Rates

In 2004/05 the British Crime Survey (BCS) recorded 10.9 million crimes on adults in private households in England and Wales. In 2011 this was 9.6 million.

In 2004/05 the British Crime Survey (BCS) recorded 10.9 million crimes on adults in private households in England and Wales. In 2011 this was 9.6 million.

In 2004/05 the Official Crime Rate (OCR) (crimes recorded by the police) was 5.6 million offences in England and Wales. In 2011 this is 4.2 million.

In 2004/05 the Official Crime Rate (OCR) (crimes recorded by the police) was 5.6 million offences in England and Wales. In 2011 this is 4.2 million.

In 2004/05 nearly 24% of the population were the victim of some type of crime compared to 44% in 1995

In 2004/05 nearly 24% of the population were the victim of some type of crime compared to 44% in 1995


British Crime Survey Crime TrendBritish Crime Survey Crime Trend


Underreporting of CrimeUnderreporting of Crime The British Crime Survey found that:The British Crime Survey found that:

44% of crime victims felt the incident was not sufficiently serious to report.44% of crime victims felt the incident was not sufficiently serious to report.

33% claimed the police would be unsuccessful in solving the crime, so felt it was not worth reporting it.

33% claimed the police would be unsuccessful in solving the crime, so felt it was not worth reporting it.

22% did not report the crime as they felt the police would not be interested.22% did not report the crime as they felt the police would not be interested.

4% did not report crimes because they were fearful of reprisals. 4% did not report crimes because of inconvenience.4% did not report crimes because they were fearful of reprisals. 4% did not report crimes because of inconvenience.


Underreporting (Continued)Underreporting (Continued)

Some crimes are not reported because they are victimless, e.g. drug-taking, smuggling, prostitution, etc.

Some crimes are not reported because they are victimless, e.g. drug-taking, smuggling, prostitution, etc.

Some crimes are not reported because of the humiliation felt by the victim such as rape, domestic violence, etc.

Some crimes are not reported because of the humiliation felt by the victim such as rape, domestic violence, etc.

Corporate and white-collar crime is extremely difficult to detect and thus report.

Corporate and white-collar crime is extremely difficult to detect and thus report.

Under-reporting

On pg 6 identify reasons why these crimes may/may not be reported by the victim.

5 minutes – Information on page 8 of booklets may help you with this.



Under-recording: Police as ‘Filters’Under-recording: Police as ‘Filters’

Seriousness: the offence may be regarded as too trivial.Seriousness: the offence may be regarded as too trivial.

‘Social status’ of the victim: important people tend to get a more favoured response than the poor, down and outs and homeless.

‘Social status’ of the victim: important people tend to get a more favoured response than the poor, down and outs and homeless.

Classifying the crime: (minor ‘assaults’ may not be investigated but ‘aggravated assaults’ usually are).Classifying the crime: (minor ‘assaults’ may not be investigated but ‘aggravated assaults’ usually are).


Police as Filters (continued)Police as Filters (continued)

Discretion: each police officer has the discretion to press charges or let the individual off – even if they are known to be ‘guilty’.

Discretion: each police officer has the discretion to press charges or let the individual off – even if they are known to be ‘guilty’.

(Those whose demeanour is deferential, co-operative and polite are more likely to be let off for minor offences. Consider Howard Becker’s labelling theory.

(Those whose demeanour is deferential, co-operative and polite are more likely to be let off for minor offences. Consider Howard Becker’s labelling theory.

Promotion and relations at work: Police officers have to tread a tightrope between trying to impress senior officers and not appearing too keen (as this makes more work for their colleagues).

Promotion and relations at work: Police officers have to tread a tightrope between trying to impress senior officers and not appearing too keen (as this makes more work for their colleagues).


The ‘Cuffing’ of CrimeThe ‘Cuffing’ of Crime

The dishonest practice of not recording crimes is known inside the police as ‘cuffing’ or ‘Spanish practices’.

The dishonest practice of not recording crimes is known inside the police as ‘cuffing’ or ‘Spanish practices’.

It is suggested by some that the fall in crime in the 1990s was manipulated by police ‘cuffing’ rather than a real fall in crime rates.

It is suggested by some that the fall in crime in the 1990s was manipulated by police ‘cuffing’ rather than a real fall in crime rates.

Under-recording by police

Now complete activity on pg 7 identifying reasons why police may/may not record crimes.

5 mins



Dark Figure of Crime StatisticsDark Figure of Crime Statistics

Sociologists argue that the Official Crime Rate seriously underestimates the real or true rate of crime.

Sociologists argue that the Official Crime Rate seriously underestimates the real or true rate of crime.

The difference between the official crime rate and the real crime rate is referred to as the ‘dark-side’ of crime statistics

The difference between the official crime rate and the real crime rate is referred to as the ‘dark-side’ of crime statistics

It is estimated by the BCS that only 31% of crimes are reported and recorded.

It is estimated by the BCS that only 31% of crimes are reported and recorded.

What lies beneath? Draw an iceberg on pg 8 and label it to show the percentage of crime which is hidden, and reasons for under-reporting and under-recording of crime.


Write your own definition of the hidden figure of crime!

Clear Definition would look like this: The hidden figure of crime is also known as the

‘dark side’ of crime statistics. It refers to the amount of crime that takes place which is not reported by the victim e.g abuse, or recorded by the police e.g minor assault. These crimes are not shown in the Official Crime Statistics – they are hidden.

How does this answer our question for this lesson?


Do official crime statistics give us an accurate picture of crime?


Objectives:1.To be able to give at least 3 reasons why under-reporting and under-recording of crimes takes place.2.To be able to give examples of crimes which are under-reported and under-recorded.3. To write a clear definition of the hidden figure of crime.


Self-Report StudiesSelf-Report Studies

These ask people to honestly confess to crimes they have committed over a period of time.

These ask people to honestly confess to crimes they have committed over a period of time.

They can be an important way of getting a better picture of some crimes like drug-use.

They can be an important way of getting a better picture of some crimes like drug-use.

Anne Campbell gave a self-report study to young females and found they had almost as high a crime rate as young males.

Anne Campbell gave a self-report study to young females and found they had almost as high a crime rate as young males.

However, Steven Box argued that if petty crime was removed then the male-female ratio was closer to the official one: 5:1.However, Steven Box argued that if petty crime was removed then the male-female ratio was closer to the official one: 5:1.

Weaknesses of Official Statistics They are a social construction as there are

many social processes and people involved in their production e.g courts, police and public.

Don’t include crimes not reported or recorded

Don’t include victimless crimes and crimes involving people under 16.



Weaknesses of Victim StudiesWeaknesses of Victim StudiesRelying on people's memory is a problem as recollections may be incorrect or biased. Relying on people's memory is a problem as recollections may be incorrect or biased.

Sometimes people put crimes into the wrong categories. Sometimes people put crimes into the wrong categories.

Surveys exclude white-collar crimes such as fraud and corporate crime: these become effectively 'invisible crimes'.Surveys exclude white-collar crimes such as fraud and corporate crime: these become effectively 'invisible crimes'.

People will not report 'victimless crimes' such as drug taking, or prostitution. Murder victims cannot speak – they are deceased.

People will not report 'victimless crimes' such as drug taking, or prostitution. Murder victims cannot speak – they are deceased.

There is an under-reporting of personal attack, domestic violence and sexual crimes, despite anonymity. (Note: the media sensitising issues can encourage people to report).

There is an under-reporting of personal attack, domestic violence and sexual crimes, despite anonymity. (Note: the media sensitising issues can encourage people to report).


Weaknesses of Self-Report StudiesWeaknesses of Self-Report Studies

Steven Box (1971) argues self-report studies suffer from issues of validity, representativeness and relevance:Steven Box (1971) argues self-report studies suffer from issues of validity, representativeness and relevance:

‘Validity’: are they true to life? Respondents can forget, play-down or exaggerate the extent of criminal activity they have been involved in.

‘Validity’: are they true to life? Respondents can forget, play-down or exaggerate the extent of criminal activity they have been involved in.

‘Representativeness’. Since most self-report studies are on young people, they rarely include professional or managerial adults.

‘Representativeness’. Since most self-report studies are on young people, they rarely include professional or managerial adults.

‘Relevance': the majority of crimes reported are trivial.‘Relevance': the majority of crimes reported are trivial.


Functionalist View on StatisticsFunctionalist View on Statistics

Functionalists share the view of positivists and tend to accept crime statistics uncritically.

Functionalists share the view of positivists and tend to accept crime statistics uncritically.

The functionalist-inspired subcultural theory for example started with the view that crime is a young, working-class, male phenomenon.

The functionalist-inspired subcultural theory for example started with the view that crime is a young, working-class, male phenomenon.


Interactionist/Labelling Theory View of Statistics

This interpretive approach sees crime statistics as largely useless and a distortion of reality.

This interpretive approach sees crime statistics as largely useless and a distortion of reality.

They argue statistics are a social construction and tell us nothing about the real level of crime, only who compiled them and how.

They argue statistics are a social construction and tell us nothing about the real level of crime, only who compiled them and how.

Labelling theory is more interested in questions such as why some acts are viewed as more deviant than others and why some groups become labelled as deviant.

Labelling theory is more interested in questions such as why some acts are viewed as more deviant than others and why some groups become labelled as deviant.


Marxist View on StatisticsMarxist View on Statistics

Marxists recognise the systematic bias in favour of the powerful in the application of the law.

Marxists recognise the systematic bias in favour of the powerful in the application of the law.

As a general rule, the higher people are in the social system the less likely they are to be arrested, charged, prosecuted and found guilty.

As a general rule, the higher people are in the social system the less likely they are to be arrested, charged, prosecuted and found guilty.

Marxists stress the significant ‘dark-side’ of white-collar and corporate crime that is largely invisible and absent from crime statistics.

Marxists stress the significant ‘dark-side’ of white-collar and corporate crime that is largely invisible and absent from crime statistics.


Feminist View on StatisticsFeminist View on Statistics

Feminists argue that crime statistic underplay the extent of females as victims: personal attack; domestic violence, etc.

Feminists argue that crime statistic underplay the extent of females as victims: personal attack; domestic violence, etc.

Until recently the police viewed attacks in the home as “domestics” and were reluctant to get involved.

Until recently the police viewed attacks in the home as “domestics” and were reluctant to get involved.

Many female victims of physical and sexual attack are reluctant to report offences. (See Chapter 8 for more detail).

Many female victims of physical and sexual attack are reluctant to report offences. (See Chapter 8 for more detail).


Left Realist View on StatisticsLeft Realist View on Statistics

Left Realists are almost unique (apart from Functionalists) in accepting that official statistics have some value and should not be rejected out of hand.

Left Realists are almost unique (apart from Functionalists) in accepting that official statistics have some value and should not be rejected out of hand.

They accept the statistical view that typical offenders are young, male, working-class and disproportionately black.

They accept the statistical view that typical offenders are young, male, working-class and disproportionately black.

Using victim studies, they highlight how people (especially the poor and vulnerable) have real fears of crime.

Using victim studies, they highlight how people (especially the poor and vulnerable) have real fears of crime.


Statistical Explosion in a Risk Society

Ulrich Beck (1995, pictured left) coined the term ‘risk society’ to refer to the shared knowledge of contemporary risks, including rising crime.

Ulrich Beck (1995, pictured left) coined the term ‘risk society’ to refer to the shared knowledge of contemporary risks, including rising crime.

Mike Maguire (2002) notes how we are bombarded with data not just from the Home Office but researchers, agencies and even victims. This adds to our knowledge and fear of crime.

Mike Maguire (2002) notes how we are bombarded with data not just from the Home Office but researchers, agencies and even victims. This adds to our knowledge and fear of crime.

Garland (2001) argues in late modernity we have lost confidence in governments. This explains why when officially the crime rate is falling, many people believe it is still rising.

Garland (2001) argues in late modernity we have lost confidence in governments. This explains why when officially the crime rate is falling, many people believe it is still rising.

Task

Describe and evaluate the three ways of measuring crime.

Make a plan for a 500 word essay 150 – Describing ways of measuring crime 150 – Evaluation – reasons why methods are

inaccurate. 200- Comparing and contrasting perspectives

views on crime.



Reflective QuestionsReflective Questions

We saw how crime is a social construction stemming from Governments changing laws in response to cultural changes and influence of powerful groups.

We saw how crime is a social construction stemming from Governments changing laws in response to cultural changes and influence of powerful groups.

1. Why does this make comparing crime rates and trends difficult over time?

Most judicial systems reward people if they plead guilty. In the USA this is quite open and known as plea bargaining.

Most judicial systems reward people if they plead guilty. In the USA this is quite open and known as plea bargaining.

2. What impact might this have on the seriousness of crimes admitted to and solved?

Documents

WJEC A2 Unit 3, Crime and Deviance - Measuring Crime