NCJ Number
146708
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 51-58
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Conceptual problems associated with the measurement of crime and the role of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) are discussed.
Abstract
Although improvements have been made in the compilation and presentation of crime statistics in India, serious problems remain in understanding the phenomenon of criminal behavior in India. This article discusses some of the weaknesses in the presentation of police-generated statistics and suggests areas for improvement. Problems with the measurement of crime cited in the article include the questionable reliability of statistical data provided by police agencies and defective crime classification systems. An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of "Crime In India 1990" is provided. In addition, the article advocates alternate sources in compiling data relevant for the needs of criminal justice scholars and analysts and an expansion of the role of the NCRB in research into improving criminal data collection and presentation. 34 references