Citation

Tarling R. Statistician 1986; 35(3): 369-388.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Institute of Statisticians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of statistical methods in criminology. In particular it considers issues surrounding the measurement and definition of crime and modelling the development and progression of criminal careers. Then it reviews aggregate studies of crime rates, which have sought to identify some of the determinants of crime causation; random experiments and prediction methodology, which have been used to evaluate various innovations for preventing crime or for dealing with offenders. Following that, current issues in sentencing offenders, in particular the use of imprisonment and the size of the prison population, are presented. Finally, simulation models of the criminal justice system, developed for further policy analysis, are mentioned.