Should we trust crime figures?
I can describe where crime figures come from and evaluate their trustworthiness.
Should we trust crime figures?
I can describe where crime figures come from and evaluate their trustworthiness.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- All crimes that are reported must be recorded as either crime or non-crime incidents.
- There are two ways in which crime is recorded, via police data and crime surveys.
- Crime figures are not necessarily always accurate as not all crime is reported.
- The media can impact perception of crime and therefore crime reporting.
Keywords
NCRS - National Crime Recording Standards; principles that ensure police record all reported crimes accurately and consistently across the UK
Crime survey - an interview that asks people about their experiences of crime, including those not reported to the police
Media - television, radio, social media and printed media which can reach a large number of people
Common misconception
Crime figures are 100% accurate.
Not all crime is reported, so crime figures can only provide an estimate.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
principles that ensure police record all reported crimes accurately
an interview that asks people about their experiences of crime
television, radio, social media and printed media