New measures to be introduced from October to improve data quality
Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan today welcomed the Central Statistics Office’s re-publication of the quarterly crime statistics.
"Since the Garda Inspectorate report, we have been working closely with the CSO to provide them with the information they need to publish the crime statistics. Having the right data is critical to ensuring we can deliver an effective police service that meets the needs of the community. It is vital that such data is regularly reviewed and published by an independent body such as the CSO.
"Many other police services around the world are experiencing the same issues as us in recording data accurately. However, that cannot be used as an excuse. It is important we have the correct processes and procedures in place, and they are adhered to by all members, so as to ensure all crimes are properly recorded.
"Since November, we have put in a place a number of measures to address concerns raised by the Garda Inspectorate and the CSO. A Data Quality Team was established at the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) and pilots in three Divisions were undertaken to test new data review processes, which saw an improvement in incident classification.
"Following further testing, a number of measures will be implemented nationally from October 2015 to strengthen the recording and classification of crime, and data quality:
- All incidents will be recorded and classified initially at GISC. This will reduce the number of incident classification decision makers and improve consistency.
- A new Data Quality Unit will be established at GISC and will be responsible for quality control. This will require additional resources for GISC.
- Calls to Garda stations and control rooms will be classified in a consistent manner using a standardised method.
- A PULSE change will ensure the status of an investigation is correct at all times
- A PULSE update will enable district officers to generate daily, weekly and monthly incident reviews of investigations. This will ensure accountability, governance and oversight of investigations.
"These initiatives should address key concerns raised by the CSO and Garda Inspectorate in this area – the quality of PULSE data, the quality of recording of incidents, how incidents are classified and re-classified, and managing investigations from crime scene to court.”
Quarterly Crime Statistics
"The fall in seven of the 14 crime categories is testament to the continuing hard work and dedication of the members of An Garda Síochána, which could not have been achieved without the close partnership and support we enjoy with communities.
"Protecting human life is paramount for An Garda Siochana and a reduction in murders is to be welcomed. Similarly, falls in areas such as Dangerous and Negligent Acts, which has largely been driven by a fall in dangerous driving over the limit, and also in weapon offences play a major role in keeping people safe from significant harm or death.
After a sustained period of reductions in burglary rates, the increase in this crime is a concern for An Garda Síochána. We have been aware of this rise and several months ago put in place specialist anti-burglary units in Dublin to target prolific burglars and work with communities with high amounts of this crime. We have also had a number of significant successes against travelling crime gangs recently under Operation Fiacla.
We are also currently finalising a national intelligence-led anti-burglary operation that builds on the good work of Operation Fiacla. The operation will focus on enforcement, crime prevention, education, partnerships, and supporting victims. There will be a number of key initiatives under this new operation including the targeting of criminal gangs operating nationally and locally, hot spot patrolling in areas where burglaries are high, and an awareness campaign to inform the public about how to protect their homes.
We will continue to monitor emerging crime trends and put in place targeted and co-coordinated measures to tackle them.”
