Comparability
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Population and Education, Social StatisticsIben Birgitte Pedersen
+45 3917 3306
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Since 1995, the statistics has been prepared on the same date source. In general the statistics is therefore comparable during time. As a consequence of law amendments or wishes for more information on specific kind of offences the division of type of offences has been altered during the years. An overview of new and ceased type of offences can be found in this annex (in Danish only): Development in types of offences.
Fines for violation of the road traffic act below DKK 2,500 are not included in the statistics as from 2012. In the period 2001-2011 the limit was DKK 1,500 and before 2001 DKK 1,000.
Comparability - geographical
There is no international comparable statistics.
Comparability over time
Police activity such as speed controls or special efforts in the night life can in itself affect the number of convicted persons. Therefore, one need to take this into account when studying the development in the number of persons convicted (typically fines) for violation of the road traffic act and other special laws such as police regulation and euphoriants act. An increase in the number of persons convicted in these areas does not necessarily reflect an increase in the number of persons committing this kind of crimes but can also reflect that a greater proportion is discovered and registered.
Fines for violation of the road traffic act below DKK 2,500 are not included in the statistics as from 2012. In the period 2001-2011 the limit was DKK 1,500 and before 2001 DKK 1,000.
The provisions of the Danish Criminal Code regarding sexual offences went through essential amendments taking effect from 1 July 2013. The amendments resulted in e.g. more categories of sexual offences than previously being placed under the provisions about rape (section 216). See more: Rape A new concept of consent regarding rape is taking effect from 1st of January 2021 which has resulted in new ways for the police to register offences regarding rape. This has to be taken into account when comparing data over time.
Coherence - cross domain
The statistics on convicted persons build on the same data source as the statistics on convictions. As regards convictions the unit is the criminal conviction while the unit is the person in convicted persons. Convictions include all convictions while convicted persons only include persons who have been found guilty. Furthermore, convicted persons only include persons who are residents of Denmark 1 January and/or 31 December the year in question. Convictions also include persons immigrated and emigrated during the same year as well as tourists and others without a Danish personal identification number.
Coherence - internal
Data are internally consistent.