The solve rate, which represents the percentage of crimes solved in a given year, has been at historically low levels. In the 1960s and 1970s, agencies reported unrealistically high clearance rates, possibly due to low pre-Maranda arrest standards. However, in the last 30 years, clearance rates have stabilized, with violent crime clearance rates remaining around 45% from the mid-90s to 2019. Despite annual fluctuations, the overall trend has been one of relative stability over the last few decades.
FBI data shows police departments have been solving fewer violent crimes since 2020. Data analyst Jeff Asher explains where policing is failing, and Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia talks about what cops say they need.
This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices