NCJ Number
92547
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1983) Pages: 358-380
Date Published
1983
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) publish a vast amount of data on 'terrorism' in 'Statistics on Security' in Chief Constable's reports and in replies to questions in the House of Commons. This breakdown of the data focuses on terrorism and criminal offenses, deaths and unlawful killings, political and sectarian murders, responsible parties and victims, and locality.
Abstract
In that the 'Statistics on Security' includes unlawful killings in the category of 'deaths connected with the security situation,' it appears that the NIO regularly assesses the political and sectarian motivation of killers. The text of the Chief Constable's reports suggests that, if there is evidence which points to reasons which are not political or sectarian, or if there is no evidence from which to infer such motives, then the killing is not classified as connected with the security situation. Certain killings, notably assasinations, can be categorized as murders, but bombings cannot be easily classified. No account has been published of deaths and unlawful killings according to those responsible and the victims' involvement in terrorism. Only limited data exist on the victims of killings. Although some breakdown of the data is possible, only a general picture of terrorism can be constructed. Attribution of responsibility for incidents is essential as is categorization of victims. The data ought to be divided into police divisions, facilitating an understanding of patterns of insurrection and inter-communal strife in particular areas. Tables summarize statistical information published on terrorism in Northern Ireland.