The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) shows a significant decline in overall crime rates in Scotland over the past 15 years, while public confidence in the police has experienced a decline.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician has released the main findings of the 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS), shedding light on the state of crime and public perceptions of safety and policing in Scotland. The survey reveals a significant decrease in the overall level of crime and the likelihood of being a victim of crime over the past 15 years. However, it also highlights a decline in public confidence in the police across various measures. This article will delve into the key findings of the survey, providing insights into the extent and prevalence of crime in Scotland, public perceptions of the police and the justice system, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the SCJS.
Decrease in Crime Rates Over the Years
The 2021/22 SCJS findings indicate a substantial decline in the volume of crime in Scotland, including incidents not reported to the police, with a 53% decrease since 2008/09. Property crimes have halved (down 51%) over the same time period, while violent crimes have fallen by 58%. The survey estimates that 90% of adults did not experience any crime in 2021/22, with the proportion of adults experiencing crime decreasing from one-in-five (20.4%) in 2008/09 to one-in-ten (10%) in 2021/22.
Public Perceptions of Safety and Policing
While the SCJS reveals a decrease in crime rates, it also highlights a decline in public confidence in the police. Nearly half of adults (49%) stated that the police in their local area do an excellent or good job, down from 61% in 2012/13. Victims of crime and those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland were less likely to feel positively about the police. However, most adults expressed confidence in the local police force’s capability across various aspects of police effectiveness, except in preventing crime, where only 46% of adults were confident in the police.
Crime Disparities Among Different Population Groups
The survey shows that crime continues to be experienced disproportionately among certain groups in the population. The likelihood of experiencing crime in 2021/22 was higher among those aged 16 to 24, adults with disabilities, those living in the most deprived areas and urban areas of Scotland. Conversely, the likelihood of experiencing any crime and property crime has decreased for many population groups since 2008/09.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no survey was conducted for the 2020/21 reporting year. To fill the evidence gap, the Scottish Victimisation Telephone Survey (SVTS) was developed. The 2021/22 SCJS is the latest annual survey, following the restart of fieldwork in November 2021. The survey was conducted using a mixed-mode approach, including remote and face-to-face interviews. The Scottish Government commissioned research to ensure the comparability of the findings with previous years, and the survey has maintained its National Statistics designation.
Conclusion:
The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey presents a comprehensive picture of crime rates and public perceptions of safety and policing in Scotland. The survey reveals a significant decline in crime rates over the past 15 years, with most adults not experiencing any crime in 2021/22. However, it also highlights a decline in public confidence in the police, particularly among victims of crime and those living in deprived areas. The survey underscores the importance of addressing disparities in crime rates among different population groups and the need for continued efforts to improve public perceptions of the police and the justice system. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SCJS has provided valuable insights into the state of crime in Scotland and will inform ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Scottish population.
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