1. Conference of European Statisticians
Classification of Crimes Principles and Framework Task force report and country comments
Conference of European Statisticians
60th plenary session
Paris, 6-8 June 2012

2. Principles
Exhaustiveness: include every possible manifestation of crime
Structure: grouping in homogeneous categories at different hierarchical levels
Mutual exclusiveness: every elementary manifestation of crime assigned to one and only one category
Description: every unit of the classification needs to be described in objective and detailed terms so that observable occurrences can be clearly assigned to categories
Progressive implementation: first pilot a limited number of crimes

3. Framework
Three classification levels, based on the attributes of target, seriousness, modus operandi and policy relevance
Horizontal attribute tags that assign additional labels according to seriousness or policy relevance
Elements that further describe the action
Legal inclusions: translation of police or prosecutor records into the event-based international classification

4. Comments 18 countries, 3 international organizations
Support to the effort in principle and to the report in particular
No opposition
Attention drawn on potential obstacles to implementation
Specific proposals for amendment

5. Conclusion
In view of the general support by countries and organizations, it is proposed that the Conference adopts the Principles and framework for an international classification of crimes for statistical purposes, subject to the inclusion of the amendments indicated in document 6 addendum 1.