Enhancing the relevance of crime data in North Rhine-Westphalia - the state administration needs to establish regular safety reports
In the wake of the increasing spread of conspiracy theories, false news, and 'fake news', a regular scientific security report has been proposed by SPD parliamentarian Sonja Bongers in the NRW state parliament. The reports, if implemented, would offer valuable data and findings currently lacking in many areas, according to Bongers.
The proposed reports would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current crime landscape, including unrecorded crimes, a issue Bongers refers to as "dark field" crime. This type of crime, which is often neglected in the current context, could see a potential increase due to the "corona-related" circumstances, Bongers fears.
The report would not be limited to recorded crimes by the police but would also delve into various types of crime. This comprehensive approach would significantly support the work of the authorities, helping them develop preventive measures to address crime issues.
According to Bongers, the current statistics, which are a police record of registered incidents from the past, lack reliable numerical and data material, as well as sound findings. The proposed reports would aim to rectify this by recording how extensive the dark fields are, what is happening with the victims, how we can intervene preventively, and what we can derive from these reports for the present and the future.
Due to the measures related to the current corona pandemic, visible decreases in street and violent crime, as well as residential burglary, are likely, Bongers suggests. However, many crimes are not recorded, according to the data from the security authorities. The absence of periodic security reports will have a significant impact on the police crime statistics in the coming year.
The report, if implemented, could potentially offer a more comprehensive added value compared to an analysis based solely on police crime statistics. By providing insights into various types of crime, not just those recorded by the police, the report could help address the issue of "dark field" crime and contribute to the discussion on internal security.
The regular scientific security reports, as proposed by Bongers, would significantly support the work of the authorities in developing concepts and concrete solutions to combat crime. These reports would offer a valuable resource for policymakers and the public, providing a clearer picture of the crime landscape and helping to inform decisions about public safety.
