The Decline of Crime Clearance Rates in America

This chapter examines the troubling decline in crime solve rates in the United States, particularly from 2019 to 2022, with murder clearance rates dropping from over 60% to 52%. It discusses historical context, police effectiveness, and the implications of changing community trust in law enforcement after significant events like the George Floyd incident. The chapter highlights the challenges faced by policing, including reduced officer numbers, amid an environment of heightened scrutiny and diminished public trust.