Why ‘clearance rates’ don’t tell the whole story about solving crimes

Why ‘clearance rates’ don’t tell the whole story about solving crimes

Police departments’ “clearance rates” — the percentage of cases they declare closed — are one of the most widely cited benchmarks for how effectively they combat crime. Lawmakers reference clearance rates in hearings, mayors cite them during police budget debates, and community members often use them to judge how well their local department is functioning.

But the figures can be confusing — and in some cases misleading. Stateline looks at why these rates don’t always give an accurate picture and how state lawmakers are pushing to better understand and improve clearance rates, as crime remains top of mind for many Americans and a defining issue in statehouses nationwide.

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