WCTS

UNCJIN

Last Revised:
06 December, 1999


United Nations Surveys on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems [Background] [Global Report on Crime and Justice] [Surveys] General background The collection of statistics on crime at the international level was first considered in 1853. The Economic and Social Council, in its resolution 1984/48 of 25 May 1984, requested the Secretary-General to maintain and develop the United Nations crime-related database by continuing to conduct the surveys of crime trends and operations of criminal justice systems. The major goal of the United Nations Surveys on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems is to collect data on the incidence of reported crime and the operations of criminal justice systems with a view to improving the analysis and dissemination of that information globally. The Survey results will provide an overview of trends and interrelationships between various parts of the criminal justice system so as to promote informed decision making in administration, both nationally and cross-nationally. The Survey, now in its Sixth wave, has been shortened by 65% to ease completion. The data gathered is beneficial to both the international community and to each responding Government. Firstly, information is used by the United Nations in determining crime trends and problem areas for intervention in the form of technical cooperation. Secondly, the data gathered will provide information for research study reports such as the *Global Report on Crime and Justice* (Oxford University Press, 1999). Thirdly, the data can be utilized by Governments interested in comparing themselves to other similarly situated States. Survey waves: Sixth Survey Fifth Survey Fourth Survey Second and Third Survey First and Second Survey