Crime Recording Theory

Question 1

Do you investigate to record crimes?

Answer 1

No. You should record a crime in order to investigate.

Question 2

How long do you have to record a crime?

Answer 2

A crime should be recorded within 24 hours (before you go off of duty)

Question 3

Do you need the victim’s consent to record a crime?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

How should you determine whether to record a crime?

Answer 4

whether it is appropriate and necessary on the balance of probabilities

Question 5

When should you not record a crime?

Answer 5

• if only speculation
• if you have credible evidence that a crime did not occur

Question 6

If there is one crime and multiple victims, how should a crime be recorded?

Answer 6

• a crime should be recorded per victim

Question 7

What is the principal crime rule?

Answer 7

• where there are multiple crimes and the same victim and same offender, the crime should be recorded as one crime (as the most serious crime)
• e.g. crimes against the person take precedence over crimes against property
• other crimes should be referenced in the M.O.

Question 8

What are the exceptions to the principal crime rule?

Answer 8

• modern slavery
• harassment
• controlling/ coercive behaviour
• stalking
  (behavioural crimes need recording separately to run alongside the crime)

Question 9

What is the finished incident rule?

Answer 9

• if a crime is reported after the recording of the crime it will be tagged on if they are involved with the principal crime
  however
• if a new crime is reported after the principal crime, it should be recorded as a new crime