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University of Kent seminar examines ethnic crime figures

'Lies, damn lies and ethnic statistics' is the subject of the next University of Kent criminal justice seminar on Wednesday, 5 March.

Professor Marian FitzGerald, Visiting Professor of Criminology at the University, will be giving a talk which puts into context the official statistics on ethnic minorities, offending and victimisation. She will be describing the factors which led to the present policy of collecting this type of statistical information nationally, while tracing its origins throughout the long-standing and highly polarised debates about race and crime in Britain.

Professor FitzGerald will also look at statistical trends in recent years, highlighting some of the unforeseen challenges they now pose. 'Academics and policy makers alike are facing increasing difficulty in interpreting the figures, but have failed to appreciate some of their inherent dangers - including the ways they potentially threaten the interests of minority groups themselves,' she said.

The seminar takes place at 6pm in the Pilkington Building at the Medway campus, Chatham Maritime. It is free to attend and the event is open to all, including University staff and students and members of the public.

It is not necessary to book but early arrival is recommended.

Questions and further discussion will follow Professor FitzGerald's talk.

For more details, please email Dr Simon Shaw, Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies at the University, at S.R.Shaw@kent.ac.uk or log on to www.kent.ac.uk

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 4:43pm 25 February 2008