What is the Crime Statistics Agency?
The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) is a business unit within the Department of Justice and Community Safety. Its legislated role is to publish and release statistical information relating to crime in Victoria and to undertake research into, and analysis of, crime and criminal justice issues and trends.
What does the Crime Statistics Agency do?
The CSA aims to:
- build public confidence in recorded crime statistics
- develop a suite of statistical products to inform the public about recorded crime trends
- increase access to information
- build the available evidence base
- support statistical literacy – that is, help everyone better use and understand our data.
The CSA releases recorded crime statistics to the community on the Crime Statistics website (External link) every quarter as well as conducting a range of research and evaluation activities. It also provides customised data requests and consultancies to meet specific requirements.
How can the CSA help with you?
The CSA can provide you with specific recorded crime data to support your program development and grant application. This may involve a specific extraction of data to focus on a particular area, or a particular type of crime within your municipality. Small requests are usually fulfilled for free, while more complicated requests may incur a small cost-recovery fee if they are more time consuming. Talk to the CSA about what you require so they can advise on feasibility and any possible costs.
The CSA is also happy to talk to you about the issues you are trying to address and provide advice about how data may assist.
Who to talk to for different types of crime-related information
The CSA is happy to assist with:
- official, aggregated statistical data about recorded crime trends
- data about offences, incidents, victims, offenders and family incidents.
However, you will need to talk to Victoria Police to obtain:
- any qualitative information about the nature of crime and policing challenges in your area
- operational information, such as call outs or other resource-related questions
- supporting statements
- information about any specific incidents or individual people.
Contact the CSA
For more information, please contact the CSA by emailing info@crimestatistics.vic.gov.au (External link). And remember, make contact early to make sure they can provide you with the information you need, when you need it!