How we work

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research is a statistical and research agency within Department of Communities and Justice.

Our aims

Our objectives are to:

  • identify factors that affect the distribution and frequency of crime;
  • identify factors that affect the effectiveness, efficiency or equity of the NSW criminal justice system;
  • ensure that information on these factors and on crime and justice trends is available and accessible to our clients.

By meeting these objectives BOCSAR assists policy makers and administrators in the criminal justice system to develop and implement strategies which reduce crime, and provide a more efficient, effective and equitable justice system.

Our activities

Our four main areas of activity are:

  • developing and maintaining statistical databases on crime and criminal justice in NSW;
  • conducting research on crime and criminal justice issues and problems;
  • monitoring trends in crime and criminal justice;
  • providing information and advice on crime and criminal justice in NSW.

Leadership

BOCSAR was established in 1969.

Jackie Fitzgerald

Jackie Fitzgerald is BOCSAR's Executive Director.

Information service: FAQs

The information team handles most requests for information. If you are unable to find the data you are looking for on this website, you may want to submit a custom data request.

The information service can be contacted on (02) 8688 9800 or at bcsr@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

I'm new to using crime statistics - what do I need to know?

Our Introduction to using crime statistics page is just for you.

Can I get more information/data than is on your website?

Yes, provided we have the data available. In line with our Information Service Policy, if what you are after is relatively straightforward for BOCSAR staff to prepare (i.e. will take less than 30 minutes to compile), it will be free of charge and will be available within 5 working days. If you are after data that is more complex to prepare (i.e. it will take more than 30 minutes to compile), it will incur a cost and will take up to 15 working days to prepare.

Charges are determined on a cost recovery basis. The minimum charge for data requests taking longer than 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to complete is $500 (including GST). Data requests taking longer than two hours incur an additional charge of $250 per hour (or part thereof).

Requests for updates of data within 12 months of the original request may incur the minimum fee of $500 plus GST.

The following agencies/individuals are exempt from charging:

  • State Government agencies
  • Members of Parliament
  • Other individuals or organisations collaborating with BOCSAR
How do I make a custom data request?

BOCSAR offers an Information Service that deals directly with the public, community organisations, government departments, academics, students and the media.

BOCSAR is happy to answer requests for information by phone or email and can make reasonable adjustments on request to accommodate the needs of persons with a disability. You can contact on Information Service via phone or email.

Email: bcsr@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Telephone: (02) 8688 9800

To find out more about our Information Service, see our Information Service Policy.

What's the most recent crime data available and when's the next update?

BOCSAR releases recorded crime data four times a year, generally in March, June, September and December. To ensure crime data is as accurate, valid and reliable as can be, we release data three to four months after the current quarter (e.g. in September data ending June for that year is released). To access our most recent recorded crime report, see our Crime and policing landing page. To generate your own crime report using the most recent crime data available, visit our Crime Mapping Tool.

How do I use the interactive crime mapping tool?

We have written instructions and tips on how to use the tool within our Crime Mapping Tool user guide, including a demonstration on YouTube.

Where do I find local crime statistics?

There are multiple resources which provide local crime statistics:

  1. Crime Mapping Tool - If you want to prepare your own tailored crime report, our interactive Crime Mapping Tool provides maps, graphs and data on criminal incidents, victims and offenders in NSW council areas (Local Government Areas (LGAs), suburbs and postcodes. You can also make use of the advanced search options to further tailor your report. Some of the advanced options available are domestic or alcohol related crimes, time of day, age and gender, or crimes occurring at different types of places (e.g. schools, licensed premises etc). The tool contains the most up to date crime data available. It is updated every three months.

  2. NSW Local Government Area excel tables (LGA). If you prefer to have an already prepared file, our Local Government Area excel tables provide five calendar years of crime data (rates and counts) for over 60 offence types for each NSW council area, the Greater Sydney Region, Regional NSW and Total NSW. These files also include  information about victims and alleged offenders, alcohol related crimes, crimes occurring at different premises types as well as during different months and times of the day. These files are updated quarterly.

  3. Our quarterly recorded crime reports

What are the definitions of offence categories (e.g. alcohol related crime)?

For more information about police recorded crime categories, see Appendix 4 in the Recorded Crime Reports. This table shows the NSW Police Force incident categories comprising BOCSAR's offence categories. 

Research & evaluations: FAQs

BOCSAR conducts and publishes a range of research on crime and criminal justice issues.

All publications can be downloaded from the publications and evaluations section of this site.

I'm after a unit record level data (e.g. GIS point data, person identified data) - what requirements do I need to satisfy?

Unit record information will only be provided to bona fide researchers if they have first obtained ethics committee clearance from a recognised university or research institute for the proposed research. The approval must specifically cover the use of unit record level data from BOCSAR. After ethics approval has been granted, researchers must then complete and submit a Deed of Access form to BOCSAR's Director or Deputy Executive Director for assessment. Further information and the necessary forms are available within BOCSAR's Information Service Policy, our Unit Record Level Reoffending requirements and our Unit Record Level Crime requirements.

Data assets: FAQs

BOCSAR believe in providing the community open access to data. We make significant quantities of information available on the site, or through custom data requests.

We're always working to develop the breadth and depth of our data holdings.

Where does BOCSAR's data come from?

BOCSAR’s data comes from a variety of agencies within the NSW Criminal Justice System including the NSW Police Force, NSW Criminal Courts, Corrective Services NSW and Youth Justice.

Relevant policies

BOCSAR is committed to protecting privacy and provide comprehensive policies for accessing data.

Last updated:

11 Sep 2024