Written question asked by Andrew Turner (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 May 2002. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Thursday, 16 May 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 7th May, Ref. 52335, whether before 1st April, the police had discretion to record a reported crime; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 7 May 2002, Ref. 52335, whether before 1 April, the police had discretion to record a reported crime; and if he will make a statement. [55584] Mr. Denham: The rules regarding re-classification of a recorded crime were the same prior to 1 April 2002 as they are now. Re-classification is not usually permitted. The rules state that a recorded crime cannot be re-classified unless it is re-classified to a homicide (murder, manslaughter or infanticide). Once a crime has been recorded it can only be classified as a `no crime' if one of the following criteria is satisfied: (i) The crime was committed outside the jurisdiction of the police force in which it was recorded. (ii) Where, following the report of an incident which has subsequently been recorded as a crime, credible evidence comes to light, which determines that no crime has been committed. (iii) If the crime, as alleged, constitutes part of a crime already recorded. (iv) If the reported incident was recorded as a crime in error.

Secondary information