Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2013-14

Annex 5: User review of the geographical breakdown at which Recorded Crime statistics are presented

4.28 In previous bulletins in the series, data have been collected from and presented for the eight legacy police force areas. However, following the implementation of Police Scotland on 1 April 2013, data are for a single police service. As a result it is no longer appropriate to present data at police force level. However, data continues to be collected at local authority level and so LA breakdowns are not affected by this change.

4.29 In April 2014, Justice Analytical Services carried out a survey of users of the Recorded Crime in Scotland Statistical bulletin series to seek their views on the most appropriate geographical level at which users would want data to be made available. The consultation questionnaire was sent to ScotStat users as well as being posted on the website to ensure access for those not registered with ScotStat. A copy of the report and recommendations can be viewed online via the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/scotstatcrime/StakeCon/RCUC2014

4.30 We proposed to produce more tables at local authority level and most respondents to the consultation stated that they had no concerns about this change, although there was a desire to present information at a lower level of geography than local authority.

Some users also expressed a desire for information to be made available more frequently.

While we have considered these issues in the past, the systems used by the eight legacy police forces posed a barrier to more frequent and more detailed data collection. However, the new policing landscape and changes to IT systems do provide us with an opportunity to revisit these suggestions. Once the feasibility of these suggestions have been explored with Police Scotland, we would seek to consult users in more detail in due course.

4.31 The tables which accompany this statistical bulletin have been updated to reflect the geographical changes and allow users to access more data at local authority level. However, we always welcome feedback on the content of our statistical bulletins and users are welcome to submit their comments to: justiceanalysts@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

Crime statistics user event

4.32 On 6 October 2014, users of crime statistics were invited to attend an event presenting the sources of crime statistics available and to discuss user's needs. The presentations from the day and the user views from the discussion sessions are available via the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/scotstatcrime

Users were invited to the event through ScotStat. If you would like to kept informed about developments in crime statistics, we suggest registering with ScotStat: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/scotstat