International Crime Victimisation Survey (ICVS_2) Gordon Barclay Home Office UK

International Government Research Directors Membership Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, UK, USA

Context of new survey To enable the continuation of the long established ICVS survey. To pilot a method to provide Government Ministers with an indication of victimisation changes since the 2005 ICVS To establish a clear organisational structure bearing in mind the need for a identical methodologies in participant countries. To overcome concerns in the last survey about small sample sizes including the effect of oversampling in main cities. To take account of the fall in the use of landlines and the increasing use of mobile phones.

Main features IGRD Project Board. 4,000 sample with no city oversampling Short modular based questionnaire based upon policy needs. Mixed methodology based upon telephone (landline / mobile) , paper and internet. Centralised approach to polling Wide availability of results and methodology.

Current progress Denmark, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden and UK agreed to participate and part-fund survey. USA and other IGRD members not financially able to participate but providing expert input. Appointment of NICIS Institute for project coordination. Initial pilot study in Canada, Sweden, Germany, UK in January 2009 Application to EC for funding under Framework program. Development of tender document for survey.

Timetable EC funding decision: June 2009 IGRD meeting at Stockholm Symposium: 23 June 2009 Survey: Sept 09-Dec 09 Validation of results: Jan - Feb 2010 and initial reports Final report, website and database: April 2010 Final report, project closure: May 2010

Main differences with current Eurostat pilots Smaller number of participating countries including non-EC countries. Single methodology/sample size for all participants. Shorter policy based questionnaire. Short timescale from survey to final report.

Future Production of a single international instrument for victimisation surveys adaptable for developed and developing countries. Ability of EC countries to compare both between MSs and outside. Minimise the number of victimisation surveys. Need for frequent surveys but low costs.