Developing Justice Statistics Mechanism: Canadian Experience (From Computerization in the Management of the Criminal Justice System: Proceedings of the Workshop and the Symposium on Computerization of Criminal Justice Information at the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and th

• NCJ Number: 167626
• Author(s): S de Silva
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

Canada's efforts to develop a national criminal justice statistics program are discussed with respect to the progress made, the remaining gaps, and the rationale and process for such a system.

Abstract

National statistics are needed to understand the status and trends related to crime and to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and fairness of the criminal justice system. National statistics also inform criminal justice policy planning, increase the accuracy of predictions, determine problems of common interest, and assess the impact of the criminal law. The essential elements of a national system include a management process, a process for obtaining and maintaining the commitment of senior criminal justice managers, political neutrality, respect for privacy and confidentiality, technical and subject matter resources, and a clear statement of the scope and context. The Canadian Center for Justice Statistics was established in 1981. Canadian surveys include the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey; the Homicide Survey; the Adult Criminal Court Survey; and many other surveys related to the adult courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and victimization. The Center also conducts special studies and provides technical assistance.