Criminological Data With Macao Characteristics: Challenges and Opportunities

Macao, one of China’s two special administrative regions (SARs), is a unique jurisdiction with distinct challenges and opportunities for criminological research. This article examines the current state of crime data in Macao, focusing first on official statistics—where they can be accessed, who publishes them, and the key characteristics and limitations of these data sets. While official crime data provide a foundation for understanding crime trends in the region, significant issues, such as inconsistency of data and a lack of granularity limit its utility for in-depth analysis. In addition to official sources, this article explores non-official data derived from self-report surveys and interviews utilized in contemporary criminological studies in Macao. By synthesizing these diverse data sources, the article serves as a practical guide for criminologists interested in conducting research in this unique context. In addition, it outlines previous empirical studies and identifies critical challenges. Finally, it offers recommendations for future research, and advocates for innovative approaches that can more effectively explore crime and highlight the theoretical and empirical significance of this dynamic region.