This publication presents comprehensive statistical data on crime and policing in England and Wales for the year 1998. It serves as an official record, compiled by the Home Office, to document trends and patterns in criminal activity and the response to it. The data aims to provide a factual basis for understanding the state of crime during that period and informing policy decisions.

As an official government publication, 'Criminal Statistics - England and Wales, 1998' is regarded as a primary source document for researchers, policymakers, and historians studying crime in the late 20th century. Its authority stems from its origin within the Home Office, ensuring the data's official status. The publication's value lies in its detailed and systematic presentation of crime-related figures for the specified year.