Since the information concerning armed violence can be very sensitive and open to political and other abuse, it is imperative that any use of the data is not based only on individual result-oriented initiatives, but that it also aims to address broader structural and social changes that can sustainably reduce violence.
Recording data is only one step towards defining effective responses to the problem of armed violence. From the start, the recording mechanisms should carefully balance accuracy and reliability of the data with the urgency of providing evidence to inform action. They should also include personnel that have the technical capacity to analyse the data that is recorded. These are essential pre-requisites to effective use of the data.
COUNTING THE COST: CASUALTY RECORDING PRACTICES AND REALITIES, p. 42
