THE DANGERS OF DATA: Recognising the limitations of crime statistics

Authors

  • Antony Altbeker Institute for Security Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3108/2005/i14a1004

Keywords:

police, crime, crime statistics, South Africa, crime data

Abstract

It is frequently noted that police crime statistics can reflect reality badly because of under-reporting and under-recording. Less frequently noted is the fact that other sources of data can be just as problematic. This article reflects on two sources of statistics on murder – the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System and the MRC’s Burden of Disease estimates – and argues that the incautious use of these data can lead to erroneous conclusions.

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Author Biography

  • Antony Altbeker, Institute for Security Studies

     

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Published

2006-03-08

Issue

No. 14 (2005): December 2005

Section

Research articles

License

Copyright (c) 2005 Author and Institute for Security Studies

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