NCJ Number
123553
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 243-264
Date Published
1990
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Crime statistics in Canada show an East-West differential: the Maritimes tend to have relatively low rates while the West has relatively high rates. Usually, Quebec displays rates that are somewhat lower than Ontario. These patterns persist for violent as well as property crimes, although there are exceptions from time to time.
Abstract
The general public assumes that these statistics reflect differences in the behaviour of criminals, but others are aware that these figures also reflect characteristics of the systems that produce these statistics. Despite attempts to standardize data gathering procedures, differences from province to province and city to city persist. This article focuses on some characteristics of the data being produced in certain jurisdictions and suggests that some of these system characteristics can have a significant impact on the interpretation of crime statistics. 9 tables, 3 notes, 18 references. (Author abstract)