Press Release

Reference:  113/09  Date:  October 22, 2009

ACPO comment on HMIC Review on Violent Crime Recording

ACC Douglas Paxton, ACPO lead on Crime Statistics said:

“Crimes of violence, although relatively rare, cause harm to individuals, families and communities and are a source of continuing concern for the public.

“The police service takes seriously our duty to keep people safe, support victims of violent crime and do everything within our power to bring offenders to justice.

“Sorting incidents of serious violence between detailed categories of crime can be complex, but as part of protecting the public it is vital that we have the best quality data available. This review indicates that in the vast majority of cases recording is accurate, but that we need to look closely and carefully at some areas of variation and inconsistency.

“We will look at the lessons and at how police force crime registrars can be supported across the police service. This was a statistically small sample but we welcome the recommendations in this review and ACPO will move quickly to help and support forces in improved decision-making and greater transparency.

“What is most important is that victims and the public have confidence that crime is recorded, investigated and that the police response is proportionate to their experience. Across the police service we are focused on ensuring we deliver that.”

ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS;

• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.

• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.