Plain English with Derek Thompson Why Are the Police So Bad at Solving Murders?
Jul 6, 2022
Jeff Asher, a crime analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, dives into the alarming drop in murder clearance rates in the U.S., where nearly half of all murders go unsolved today. He discusses the stark contrasts with the 1960s, the complexities of modern evidence standards, and the ethical challenges police face. The conversation also highlights the racial disparities in solving murders, particularly those involving Black victims, and how technology impacts these investigations. Asher offers crucial insights into the systemic issues plaguing law enforcement.
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Declining Murder Clearance Rate
- The national murder clearance rate has declined every decade since the 1960s.
- In 2020, it reached a low of 50%, meaning half of all U.S. murders go unsolved.
Unreliable Early Data
- Clearance rates from the 1960s and 1970s are unreliable due to likely misrepresentation.
- Police might have made bad arrests or falsely claimed clearances, resulting in inflated rates.
Impact of Miranda Rights
- The Miranda ruling in 1966 contributed to a decline in clearance rates by increasing police accountability.
- It improved police practices but may not be the sole factor in the long-term decline.
