After examining official statistics on crime patterns in England and Wales, the book identifies problems in interpreting such data and compares, contrasts, and supplements this information with data derived from crime victimization surveys. An analysis of the police role in the 'social construction' of official statistics focuses on crime recording; crime clearances; and the police decision about whether to ignore, caution, or prosecute offenders. Criminal processing is traced from crime reporting through pretrial and court proceedings to the final verdict, followed by a discussion of sentencing trends since 1963 and the availability of information on these trends. An examination of juvenile processing in three jurisdictions of the United Kingdom addresses trends of juvenile diversion and whether 'net widening' is occurring, and the extent to which juveniles are placed in custody. Crime statistics are discussed in relation to social and economic conditions typically associated with crime, such as unemployment and major social change. An assessment of the role of official statistics in evaluating criminal justice policy and practice concludes that such statistics do not provide significant answers to many of the important traditional evaluation questions but supply valuable information for informed public debate and political action. 47 tables, 20 figures, 200-item bibliography, and subject index.