The debate over recent recorded crime in Turkey

Abstract

Publication of official recorded crime figures is a new practice in Turkey. The recording of crime figures in a professional and unbiased fashion has led to the publication of a range of tables in the context of crime and criminal justice. Since the first figures were published, in 2004, it has been possible to track increases in crime and this has placed the criminal justice system firmly on the political agenda. The debate over the recorded crime statistics has raged, with the government, the opposition, media and the general public all becoming involved. In the case of society at large it would appear that the fear of becoming a victim of crime has increased. Throughout this debate, law and order has become a political issue. At the same time in Turkey the concept of social support mechanisms is also being widely debated. What role do crime statistics play in the individual’s right to a sense of personal security? To what degree can the figures be considered accurate? This work attempts to pull together the changes in recorded crimes which affect the public for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. Specifically murder, theft, all forms of immoral behavior, assault and fraud which, taken together, constitute a significant portion of the recorded crime figures. It will be seen that for some crimes there would appear to have been a dramatic increase. Exactly what is increasing in the measurement of recorded crime in Turkey?