Official statistics

Question 1

Number of recorded offences per year

Answer 1

1900-1945: 100,000

Now: 5.5 million

Question 2

Prison population

Answer 2

83,000

Question 3

Sparks

Answer 3

Used self report surveys to find that the true figure of crime is 11x5.5million
Uses the iceberg metaphor

Question 4

Why are they not valid

Answer 4

They are socially constructed

Behind every statistic is a social interaction

Question 5

OCS are based on crimes known by the police

Answer 5

10% is uncovered by police

90% is reported crime

Question 6

Why may people not report crime

Answer 6

Feel ashamed
Feel it is too trivial
Feel that it is a private matter
Fear of consequences
Didn't know that they were a victim 
Lack trust in the police

Question 7

Police procedures, priorities and policies influence OCS

Answer 7

Police may not feel that it is a priority so do not follow it up
Policies make the definitions of crime e.g. War v murder/ theft v lost property
If there is seen to be more of one crime, police will look out for it more and see it as more of a priority
Police stereotypes mean that certain people are more likely to be stopped

Question 8

The police have discretion

Answer 8

They have stereotypes and often do not take middle class delinquency seriously 
Chambliss