Sociological perspective of Crime DataSociology is the study of society using scientific methods of research. Therefore, sociologists look to use data to identify issues and scenarios that explain social phenomena. Its this fact that makes crime so fascinating to sociologists.
Giddens writes in his 1989 book Sociology that crime rates are published regularly and are used in a range of ways (deployment of resources - where to put police officers, identifying at risk groups, profiling offenders, geographic analysis of types or crimes and offenders). But sociologists are sceptical of crime statistics for a number of reasons - not all crimes are reported (for a range of reasons) and some research shows close to half of all violent crime is not reported to police. |
Analysis of crime data does provide with insights to public issues and personal problems and can lead to dialogue that provides opportunities for communities to address problems and improve the opportunities for individuals, and therefore society as a whole. Sociologists do not use the information to reinforce bias or marginalisation of groups that are disenfranchised from the mainstream, but to address social inequality and offer analysis of the true facts.
Crime RatesCrime rates involve sets of data that reflect the number of criminal offences that have occurred in a given time and place. There are a range of factors that influence the rates at which and what type of, criminal offences occur. This includes a person’s age, gender, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.
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Crime DataThere are many methods used to gather
crime data, such as statistics related to crime victimisation, statistics related to alleged offenders dealt with by criminal courts and data on sentencing. It is important to note however that not all crimes are reported to or recorded by the police. |
Media reporting of crimeCan result in increased awareness of
crime within the community, which leads to more people reporting crime and therefore makes the media present the levels of crime as being greater than what they actually are; |
How is Crime data gathered in Australia
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The Institute seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice. The AIC was established in 1973 under the Criminology Research Act 1971. Since July 1, 2011 the Australian Institute of Criminology, a Commonwealth statutory authority, is regulated under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act).
The AIC undertakes research which informs policy and practice in the crime and criminal justice sectors through:
This research helps to identify and deliver:
The AIC undertakes research which informs policy and practice in the crime and criminal justice sectors through:
- monitoring trends in crime and the criminal justice system;
- building knowledge of offending and victimisation;
- identifying emerging or changing criminal activity; and
- building an evidence base for an effective criminal justice system and crime prevention.
This research helps to identify and deliver:
- timely and policy-relevant research on crime and justice issues for the Commonwealth Government and other key stakeholders.
- provide information on, and analysis of, the criminal justice system and the causes, control and prevention of crime;
- develop innovative products and services, including consultancy, in the field of criminological research and information to better meet the needs of clients and stakeholders; and
- anticipate the needs of major stakeholders by conducting research into emerging areas of crime, including maintaining the ability to respond quickly to the needs of government.