Response to
The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Consultation on Proposed Changes to Police
Recorded Crime Classifications and the
Presentation of Crime Statistics: Impact of Office
for National Statistics Consultation on Police
Recorded Crime in Northern Ireland
February 2013
Victim Support NI: Response to the PSNI Consultation on Changes to Police Recorded Crime Classifications
and the Presentation of Crime Statistics – February 2013
Page 1
1.0.
About Victim Support
Victim Support Northern Ireland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the PSNI
Consultation on a Revised Framework for Recorded Crime Outcomes in Northern Ireland.
Victim Support provides practical and emotional support to victims of crime across
Northern Ireland. During the period 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012, we received over
38,000 referrals to our Community Services. Out of this number around 4,500 people who
were affected by crime were supported face to face, to work through the effects those
crimes have had on their lives. In addition, almost 7,000 victims and witnesses were
supported through the process of attending court and giving evidence and over 2,600
citizens injured as a result of violent crime were assisted with their criminal injuries
compensation application.
2.0.
General Comments
Our organisation views the decision to organise and present police recorded crime under
two broad categories, “victim-based crime” and “other crimes against society”, as an
extremely useful and positive development, which will greatly assist us in our work generally
and more specifically, in the identification and analysis of relevant data.
3.0.
Presentation of Violence Against the Person Offences
In the interests of greater transparency Victim Support NI welcomes the proposed options
for the future presentation of this category. The introduction of “more serious” and “less
serious violence” sub-categories, using maximum sentencing lengths as set out in court
sentencing guidelines to determine which are classed as more or less serious enhances
overall transparency in our view. We also welcome the greater detail which this affords.
However, we feel that in utilising this method of presentation, it would be essential to
clarify what is meant by the terms “more serious” and “less serious violence” and the basis
for the classification. It is essential, for example, that victims of those crimes which may be
classified as “less serious violence” such as harassment, do not feel that their experience has
been diminished. Similarly, that society as a whole does not under-estimate the impact of
these crimes. Particularly in the context of harassment, the psychological violence to which
the victim may be subjected can be substantial and enormously damaging. Also, individual
responses to crime can vary considerably and whilst the proposed classifications are based
on legal determinants, the impact of the crime is a less readily calculable.
Victim Support NI: Response to the PSNI Consultation on Changes to Police Recorded Crime Classifications
and the Presentation of Crime Statistics – February 2013
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It is vital that all victims of crime, irrespective of classification or perceived severity, feel
confident to report the crime, should they wish to do so and to seek support.
4.0.
Annexes
In respect of Annex 2, our organisation is of the view that Version B, which represents the
proposed new crime classification from April 2013, represents a much clearer and more
appropriate presentation of the data and we would welcome the use of this methodology in
the monthly bulletin.
5.0. Conclusion
Victim Support NI broadly welcomes the proposed changes to police recorded crime
classifications and the presentation of crime statistics, as a positive development. We feel
the specific proposals, as outlined, will enhance transparency and assist the work of our
organisation through the improved presentation and provision of valuable and relevant data.
We would however urge caution in ensuring that any proposed changes are carefully
explained to avoid the unintended consequence of diminishing the significance of certain
categories of crime on the individual.
If you require further information about this response please contact:
Gillian Clifford
Policy & Information Manager
Tel: 028 90277757
Email: gillianc@victimsupportni.org.uk
Victim Support Northern Ireland
Central Office,
Annsgate House,
70-74 Ann Street,
Belfast BT1 4EH
Switchboard: 028 9024 4039 Fax: 028 9031 3838
Company limited by guarantee NI20562. Registered office as above.
A charity recognised by the Inland Revenue.
www.victimsupportni.co.uk
Victim Support NI: Response to the PSNI Consultation on Changes to Police Recorded Crime Classifications
and the Presentation of Crime Statistics – February 2013
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