As of 8 July 2015, the Crime Statistics Agency will begin charging customers for customised data requests, in accordance with the Crime Statistics (Fees & Charges) Regulations 2015. These regulations allow the CSA to provide customised data requests to clients on a cost-recovered basis.
Why are you charging for data?
The CSA has a number of key functions, including publication of regular crime statistics and conduct of research into crime and criminal justice. So we can continue to complete our core work to release data to all Victorians, we have a policy of cost recovery for manual, time-consuming customised data requests from individuals or agencies which can divert CSA staff for long periods of time.
What types of customised data requests will I need to pay for?
The CSA offers an extensive range of data extracted from the Victoria Police Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) database free of charge in the latest crime data (External link) webpage, this includes information at the local government area and postcode/suburb level. To obtain data that are not available on the website you will need to request and potentially pay for this information.
For customised data requests that take less than 2 hours to complete, these may be provided by the CSA free of charge, at the Chief Statistician’s discretion. If it is estimated that the request will take 2 hours or more to complete, the CSA will compile an agreement to proceed and a quote to send to you before completing the request.
What are the fees?
The CSA charges are based on a cost recovery model, meaning clients are only covering the cost of the time it takes for a member of the CSA team to complete the request.
For 2024-25, the fees for customised data are calculated as follows:
- First 2 hours: $187.45
- Each hour thereafter: $92.91 per hour
The fees for statistical analysis, research or provision of other forms of statistical advice are calculated as follows:
- First 2 hours: $259.17
- Each hour thereafter: $128.77 per hour
What payment methods are available?
Once the CSA receives a signed agreement, you will be issued with an invoice to pay within 7 days of receipt. Details on how to pay will be provided on the invoice, and can be made by credit card (VISA, Mastercard and American Express) or by cheque.
What's the process for requesting CSA data that is not available on the website?
More information about data requests is available here (External link). To request customised CSA data please send an email to info@crimestatistics.vic.gov.au (External link) detailing the specifications for the information you require. We will be in touch to advise whether or not we can accommodate your requirements and whether or not there will be a cost incurred.