Aboriginality in custody data

Aboriginality in custody data is based on information self-reported when a person is received into custody. People may identify as:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Non-Aboriginal and non-Torres Strait Islander
• Prefer not to answer or provide no response

For each custodial episode, the most recent Aboriginality status recorded during that episode is used. Where Aboriginality is unknown, the status is sourced from the associated NSW Police record, where available.

Aboriginality in crime and criminal court data

BOCSAR uses a frequency-based method to identify Aboriginal people in crime and criminal court statistics. This method was developed through record linkage research to improve the accuracy and consistency of Aboriginality reporting over time.

Under this approach:

• People with adult offender or victim records are identified as Aboriginal if at least 25% of their adult records identify them as Aboriginal.
• People who only have youth offender or victim records are identified as Aboriginal if at least 35% of their youth records identify them as Aboriginal.

Find out more about the methodology and findings in the full research report: Improving the quality of reporting of Aboriginality in police data through record linkage.

Watch the presentation from one of the consultation sessions held in November 2025.