NCJ Number
228615
Date Published
2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of three aspects of the British Crime Survey (BCS) over the past 25 years: what has changed and what has remained constant, the changing picture of crime as measured by the BCS, and changes for the future.
Abstract
The BCS is a victimization survey in which adults living in private households are asked about their experience of crime. It includes property crimes, such as vehicle-related thefts and burglary, and personal crimes, such as assaults. Consistent aspects of the BCS methodology include the overall sample design, the use of a 12-month reference period for crime, the main questions and method used for measuring victimization, and the use of a modular questionnaire. Overtime, however, some of the stratification factors have been modified, and the primary sample unit has changed from wards to postcode sectors. Sample size has also increased. In addition to the main sample, BCS has over time included additional boost samples. A boost sample of people from ethnic minorities was introduced in 1988 and was included every year until 2006/2007, when it was determined that the overall larger sample size was such that the boost sample was no longer needed. This decision is reviewed annually. There is also a "youth boost," which has doubled the sample size for individuals ages 16-24. The survey technology has been updated over time, with change to data collection in 1994, when the survey moved from paper and pencil to computer-assisted phone interviews. Over the past 25 years, the BCS has consistently provided data and analysis for use in policymaking, academic research, performance measurement, and public information. The two main issues facing the BCS in the near future are how to incorporate "new crimes" into the existing survey framework and whether the coverage of victimization should be expanded. 1 figure