Home Secretary launches review of crime and ASB statistics

The Home Secretary has launched an independent review into the collection and publication of crime statistics.

Led by the National Statistician, Jil Matheson, the review has been tasked with looking for “cost effective ways to improve the coverage and coherence of crime statistics” including police recorded crime and the British Crime Survey.

As part of this, the review is expected to:

• ensure definitions of crimes and anti-social behaviour are “aligned with the priorities and concerns of local communities”
• improve transparency and trust in the crime data which is collated and published
• recommend how gaps in the statistics can be addressed, and
• advise which independent body should publish crime statistics in future.

Matheson has been asked to work with organisations such as the Association of Chief Police Officers and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary as well as opposition parties.

She is expected to report back by the end of April 2011, with any changes implemented twelve months later.

Theresa May said: "Any reductions in crime are welcome, however levels are still too high and we know these statistics only offer a partial picture about the level of crime. More needs to be done to bring crime down and we need to take bold action to restore public trust in crime statistics.

"That is why I have asked the National Statistician to lead a review and why we are moving the publication of crime statistics out of the Home Office to an independent body. Improving public trust and confidence in crime statistics is crucial if we are to improve transparency and empower local communities to hold authorities to account."