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Abstract

This article presents the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS) developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The aim of the ICCS is to provide a common ground for the production of criminal statistics around the world. The article describes the process that led to the development of the ICCS, and explains its rationale and its structure. In particular, it presents the way in which intentional homicide offences are classified, showing the potential that such classification could have for international comparisons of crime. The article describes also the results of the tests of the ICCS that were conducted in 41 countries, and briefly discusses the possibilities of implementing that classification across the world.

Keywords

Comparative criminology crime measurement crime statistics international statistical standards

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The International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes: A new instrument to improve comparative criminological research

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