CRIME RATES: WHO REPORTS THEM, WHO CHECKS THEM?

CRIME RATES: WHO REPORTS THEM, WHO CHECKS THEM? How do we know if crime is rising or falling? Who decides what makes it into the official crime statistics? These are critical questions that affect not just law enforcement policies but also our economy, governance, and even daily lives. Crime data in the Philippines is primarily collected by the Philippine National Police (PNP) through reports filed at police stations nationwide. The data is then consolidated and published in official crime statistics. However, there are growing concerns about how these figures are gathered and whether they present an accurate picture of public safety. Can We Trust the Numbers? The PNP, the very agency tasked with preventing crime, is also the one reporting crime rates. This situation presents a potential conflict of interest. If crime rates are used as a performance metric for local police commanders, is there an incentive to underreport incidents or reclassify crimes to make the numbers look better? While we would like to believe that all crime statistics are reported objectively, we cannot ignore the possibility of data manipulation. Reports of victims being discouraged from filing complaints, or crimes being labeled under lesser offenses, have been raised in different parts of the country. If the numbers are being adjusted for political or administrative convenience, how can the public be sure of the real crime situation? Who Should Double-Check Crime Data? Given these concerns, should an independent body validate crime statistics? Some possible candidates include: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – as it oversees the PNP and local governments. The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) – which is tasked with ensuring police accountability. Local Government Units (LGUs) – which may maintain their own crime data. Independent research institutions and NGOs – which can conduct separate crime victimization surveys. In many countries, crime reporting is supplemented by victimization surveys—polls that ask individuals if they’ve been victims of crime, regardless of whether they reported it to the police. The Philippines lacks such a system, making it difficult to compare official reports with the actual experiences of citizens. Who Gets Credit for Low Crime Rates? Another debate in crime statistics is whether credit for a low crime rate should go to the PNP or the local government. While law enforcement plays a major role, factors such as economic development, community programs, and education also contribute to safer communities. When crime rates drop, is it due to better policing, or do social conditions simply improve? The Need for Transparent Reporting Crime statistics influence public perception, investment decisions, and even the insurance industry. Areas with high crime rates face economic consequences—businesses struggle, real estate prices drop, and tourism suffers. Accurate data is essential not just for safety but for economic growth. For a truly transparent crime reporting system, the Philippines must consider: Establishing an independent crime data verification body. Enhancing crime reporting software for better data accuracy. Conducting nationwide victimization surveys. Allowing LGUs and NGOs to independently assess crime trends. Public trust in crime statistics is critical. If the numbers don’t reflect reality, the entire system suffers. It’s time to demand greater transparency and accountability in how crime rates are reported and verified. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-06-2025