Accuracy of Statistics / Comparing Data

Accuracy of Statistics

The Planning, Research & Audit Section of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) provides accurate statistics on this site.  However, these monthly summary statistics are subject to change or may differ slightly from the previous month's data due to a number of considerations.

The statistical data used for these reports are gathered from two computer sources:

• PRIME (Police Records Information Management Environment) and
• CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch).

As these systems are considered "live", the offences reported here can change on a daily basis.  Examples of note include:

• an assault can become a homicide
• a motor vehicle accident may be changed from a MV-Fatal to a Sudden Death if the Coroner finds the driver’s cause of death occurred prior to the accident
• as posted numbers are current as of a certain date, monthly totals may not add up to yearly totals as a sexual assault can be reported months after it occurred

Comparing Crime Statistics

The following data considerations must be taken into account when interpreting these statistics:

1. Ongoing Data Refinement

• periodic enhancements to our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system
• late reporting of crime incidents
• charges that have been investigated and reclassified as unfounded - for example, a vehicle may be reported as stolen but ended up being borrowed by a family member
• reclassification of Uniformed Crime Reporting (UCR) offences
• reclassification of an offence while an investigation is ongoing

2. Number of Offences – Method of Counting

The VPD has changed the way in which it reports its crime statistics.  Historically, we reported our data based on Statistics Canada reporting requirements, which meant that only the most serious offence per incident was counted.  Now, we report our statistics using the "all violations method," as do other policing agencies like Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary. It is important to note these differences in reporting when comparing our crime statistics to other Police Agencies and Statistics Canada.

It should be noted that due to the PRIME reporting configuration, any incident reported may include up to four separate offences.  For example, a suspect breaks into a house and takes several items, upon leaving the house, the suspect encounters the homeowner, an altercation takes place and the homeowner is assaulted.  The VPD now reports this incident as two offences (an assault and a break-and-enter) whereas, Statistics Canada would only count the most serious offence, that being the assault in this example.

3. Changes to Statistics Canada Offence Codes

Statistics Canada redefine offence codes on an ongoing basis. Therefore, it is important that caution is taken when comparing statistics to previous years.

These considerations must be taken into account when comparing statistics presented, and account for inconsistencies that may be identified. The most recent data published will reflect these changes.

4. Motor Vehicle Accidents Removed From Monthly Statistics Tables

Effective January 2012, motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) have been removed from the monthly statistics tables. The reason for this change is because VPD MVAs data differs substantially from ICBC reported traffic injury data. ICBC data speaks to the safety of the roads, whereas data from the VPD is more reflective of workload.

For example, if calls for service are lower than usual or officers have more proactive time, then officers have more time to attend a MVA where there is an injury. Conversely, if calls for service are higher or proactive time is lower then officers will not be able to attend as many MVA-with-injury incidents.

This data will be reported in the Key Performance Indicator reports on a quarterly basis for the Vancouver Police Board. Of final note, to accommodate late reporters, ICBC data is one quarter behind in reporting injury statistics.