The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey reveals a significant decrease in overall crime rates in Scotland over the past 15 years, but mixed opinions about the police.
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 perceptions of safety in the country. The survey shows a substantial decline in the volume of crime, including incidents not reported to the police, with a 53% decrease since 2008/09. While the majority of adults were not victims of any crime in the past year, there has been a decline in confidence in the police across various measures. This article will explore the key findings of the survey, including the extent of crime, public perceptions of the police and justice system, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the survey.
Decrease in Crime Rates and Types of Crimes
The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey reveals that there were an estimated 494,000 crimes in Scotland during that period. Property crimes accounted for 73% of the total, while violent crimes made up the remaining 27%. Since 2008/09, property crime has decreased by 51%, while violent crime has fallen by 58%. Most adults (90%) did not experience any crime in the past year, and the proportion of adults experiencing crime has dropped from one-in-five in 2008/09 to one-in-ten in 2021/22.
Crime Disparities Among Population Groups
Certain population groups continue to experience crime at higher rates. The likelihood of experiencing crime in 2021/22 was higher among those aged 16 to 24, disabled adults, those living in the most deprived areas, and urban areas of Scotland. However, many population groups have seen a decrease in the likelihood of experiencing any crime and property crime since 2008/09. Comparatively, the proportion of adults in Scotland estimated to have experienced crime is similar to that in England and Wales.
Public Perceptions of the Police and Justice System
The survey reveals mixed opinions about the police in Scotland. Nearly half of adults (49%) believe that the police in their local area do an excellent or good job, a decrease from previous years. Victims of crime and those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland were less likely to have positive views of the police. Confidence in the police’s effectiveness has also decreased in various aspects, although most adults expressed confidence in the local police force’s capability to handle incidents and solve crimes. Confidence in the justice system varied, with three-quarters of adults confident in its ability to provide a fair trial but less confident in its ability to give sentences that fit the crime.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Survey
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no survey was conducted for the 2020/21 reporting year. To address this gap, the Scottish Victimisation Telephone Survey (SVTS) was conducted, focusing on crime experiences, safety, and perceptions of policing during the pandemic. The 2021/22 SCJS, conducted through a mix of remote and face-to-face interviews, has been deemed comparable to previous years, and the decision has been made to maintain its National Statistics designation.
Conclusion:
The 2021/22 Scottish Crime and Justice Survey highlights a significant reduction in overall crime rates in Scotland over the past 15 years. The survey also reveals mixed perceptions of the police, with a decline in confidence in various aspects. While the majority of adults feel safe in their local communities, there are still disparities in perceptions of safety among different population groups. The findings of the survey provide valuable insights into the state of crime and justice in Scotland and will inform ongoing efforts to improve safety and address public concerns.
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