pp x164 1996 paperback ISBN 0-7083-1364-7
' . . . an excellent example of its type and, in particular, provides a concentration upon those specifically rural dimensions which are most often missing within an urban-dominated literature . . . These, and a wealth of other findings, make this modestly-priced book a rewarding as well as informative investment for any probation library.' (Probation Journal)
' . . . an extremely thorough review of crime statistics, crime surveys and an example of the sorts of issues addressed in a local crime survey. I would put it in the undergraduate/general reader market where I am sure it will be highly thought of.' (British Journal of Criminology)
'A useful little primer on the use and misuse of official statistics on crime and victimisation. Indeed everything you wanted to know about crime surveys, their content and methodology, strengths and weaknesses.' (Labour Campaign for Criminal Justice Newsletter)
The book examines the use and misuse of `official' statistics on crime and victimisation, and looks at the representation of these statistics in contemporary political debate.
A further introductory chapter deals with the changing attitudes to victims within the criminal justice and penal systems. It considers the political, academic and practical reasons for these developments, in addition to describing practical measures for assisting and compensating victims.
The book deals in detail with the development and progress of crime/victimisation surveys, providing a clear account of the rationale, content and methodology of such surveys. In addition to focusing on the British Crime Survey programme at a national level, the book also assesses the achievements and criticisms of some of the leading local crime surveys: The Manchester Survey of Female Victims (1986); Merseyside Crime Survey (1984); Islington Crime Survey (1985) , and looks at the problems of surveying crime in rural areas, with particular reference to the Aberystwyth Crime Survey carried out in mid-Wales in 1993.
Author: Reader in Law, Centre for Legal Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton.