Findings of crime statistics review published

The findings of a review of crime counting and detection rules by the expert group on crime statistics have been published.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan published the report, which was produced after the Garda Inspectorate raised a number of serious concerns in late 2014 about the recording of crime incidents.

Mr Flanagan said: “It is important that we seek ongoing and continuous improvement in the compilation of crime statistics to ensure that the data we rely on is of the highest possible quality, and this work sets out a number of recommendations to be taken forward.

“Robust data informs the operational decisions made by the Garda Síochána in terms of the development of policing strategies and targeting of resources, and it provides important inputs into the evidence-based policy-making process pursued by my Department in the ongoing reform of the criminal law.

“That is why I am very happy to see the progress that is being made and to see a series of tangible actions set out.”

The report will be published on the Department of Justice website.