NCJ Number
28160
Journal
Kriminalistik Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1975) Pages: 56-58
Date Published
1975
Length
3 pages
Annotation
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM A STUDY OF UNREPORTED CRIME IN GOETTINGEN, WEST GERMANY, AND THE STATEMENT THAT FURTHER SUCH STUDIES, IN MORE DETAIL AND COVERING LONGER PERIODS OF TIME, WILL BE NECESSARY.
Abstract
POLICE CRIME STATISTICS ARE NOT AN ACCURATE RECORD OF ALL CRIME, SINCE MOST OF THE OFFENSES THEY HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF WERE REPORTED TO THEM BY CITIZENS. THUS IT IS THE POPULATION ITSELF THAT DECIDES WHAT OFFENSES WILL BE INVESTIGATED. THE GREATER THE LOSS OR DAMAGE THE MORE LIKELY IT IS THAT AN OFFENSE WILL BE REPORTED. POPULAR OPINION HAS IT THAT LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN POLICE EFFECTIVENESS IS A FREQUENT REASON FOR FAILING TO REPORT A CRIME, BUT NO VICTIM GAVE THAT AS HIS OWN REASON FOR SUCH FAILURE. ACTUAL REASONS CITED INCLUDED FEAR OF REPRISAL BY THE OFFENDER AND DISLIKE OF THE AUTHORITIES.