MEASURING THE IMMEASURABLE: MODELS OF INTEGRATION OF RECORDED CRIME AND VICTIM SURVEY DATA

Abstract

There is a great need to measure the differences of crime rates over time and space. However, it is obvious that the actual crime rate can never be accurately measured. Inexact measuring methods need to be used or crime could be left unmeasured. This article examines the possibilities of complex use of recorded crime and victimisation survey data in order to better assess crime rate differences over time and space within the same country. The article explores the main aspects and problems of comparison of recorded crime and crime victim survey data, provides new models of recorded crime and crime victim survey data integration, compares these models with each other, presents findings on the most suitable model for assessing crime rate and applies this model in practice. A new indicator of crime rate (RAS) is developed based on integration of recorded crime and victim survey data, suitable for assessing crime rate differences over time and space within the same country.