Reducing crime and making places safer is only possible if the police have access to reliable and timely information. The Audit Commission reviewed crime recording at all 43 police authorities and forces in England and Wales in 2003 and again in 2004. Each authority and force has been given a traffic light rating of green, amber or red.
Consistent and effective crime recording, backed up by robust management systems, is vital in setting national crime reduction targets, tackling local priorities, instilling public confidence in crime statistics and helping to bring offenders to justice.
Compliance with national requirements is not just about recording the right levels of crime; it is equally about being responsive to victims, and about the quality and timely availability of recorded information to support policing activities.
Better quality data and increased compliance with national requirements are necessary to reduce crime, bring more offenders to justice and demonstrate that resources are being used effectively. This will, in turn, contribute to safer places for everyone.
Included in this report:
- data quality
- management arrangements
- conclusion: overall assessments
- next steps
This report is intended to support improvement and has been agreed with the Home Office Police Standards Unit.