Section III: crime index offenses cleared
Crime Index Offenses Cleared
Law enforcement agencies reporting offenses to the national UCR Program can clear these offenses in one of two ways: by arrest or by exceptional means. However, the administrative closing or “clearing” of a case by a local law enforcement agency does not necessarily mean that the agency can clear an offense according to UCR procedures. To clear an offense within the Program’s guidelines, the reporting agency must adhere to certain criteria.
Cleared by Arrest
In the UCR Program, a reporting law enforcement agency clears, or solves, an offense by arrest only when all of the following conditions are met. At least one person must be:
* Arrested.
* Charged with the commission of an offense.
* Turned over to the court for prosecution.
The UCR Program counts in the clearances the number of offenses and not the number of persons arrested. The arrest of one person may clear several crimes. Conversely, the arrest of many persons may clear only one offense. In addition, the clearances that an agency recorded in a particular calendar year such as 2002 may include offenses that occurred in previous years.
Cleared by Exceptional Means
When elements beyond law enforcement’s control prevent the agency from placing formal charges against the offender, the agency can clear the offense exceptionally. According to UCR Program guidelines, an agency can clear an offense exceptionally if it adheres to all of the following criteria. The agency must have:
* Identified the offender.
* Gathered enough evidence to support an arrest, make a charge, and turn over the offender to the court for prosecution.
* Identified the offender’s exact location so that law enforcement can make an arrest.
* Encountered a circumstance outside the control of law enforcement that prohibits the agency from arresting, charging, and prosecuting an offender.
Examples of exceptional clearances include, but are not limited to, the death of the offender (suicide, justifiably killed by police or private citizens, etc.); the victim’s refusal to cooperate with the prosecution after having identified the offender; or the denial of extradition because the offender committed a crime in another jurisdiction and is being prosecuted. In the UCR Program, the recovery of property does not clear an offense.
2002 National Clearances
Nationwide, law enforcement agencies in 2002 recorded a 20.0 percent Crime Index clearance rate in 2002. (The Crime Index is an aggregate of murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft.) The Modified Crime Index (the Crime Index offenses plus arson) showed a 20.0 percent clearance rate for the year and included a 16.5 percent clearance rate for arson.
Violent crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) often undergo a more vigorous investigative effort than crimes against property. Additionally, victims and/or witnesses often identify the perpetrators. Consequently, violent crimes tend to have higher clearance rates than property crimes. In 2002, that tendency continued with 46.8 percent of violent crimes cleared compared to 16.5 percent of property crimes cleared (excluding arson). An examination of violent crime clearances showed that the clearance rate for murder was 64.0 percent; for aggravated assault, 56.5 percent; for forcible rape, 44.5 percent, and for robbery, 25.7 percent. A review of the clearances for property crimes indicated that the clearance rate for larceny-theft was 18.0 percent; for motor vehicle theft, 13.8 percent, and for burglary, 13.0 percent. (See Table 25.)
2002 Regional Clearances
An examination of clearance rates by region showed that in 2002 law enforcement agencies in the Northeast recorded the highest Crime Index clearance rate among the regions in the Nation–24.9 percent. The South had a 20.4 percent clearance rate, the Midwest had an 18.5 percent clearance rate, and the West cleared 18.4 percent of reported Crime Index offenses. The Northeast had a 52.2 percent violent crime clearance rate, and the South cleared 47.2 percent of violent crimes, followed by the West at 46.0 percent and the Midwest at 42.9 percent. For property crime, the Northeast and the South showed clearance rates of 21.1 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively. The Midwest cleared 15.8 percent of property crimes and the West recorded a clearance rate of 14.7 percent. (See Table 26.)
2002 Community Clearances
Among community types, cities collectively cleared 19.7 percent of Crime Index offenses, 44.5 percent of violent crimes, and 16.4 percent of property crimes. Among city groupings, cities with populations of 10,000 to 24,999 had the highest clearance rate for offenses that make up the Crime Index–23.9 percent. In 2002, these cities collectively also had the highest property crime clearance rate–21.1 percent. The highest percentage of violent crimes cleared–58.9 percent–occurred in cities with less than 10,000 inhabitants. Of the remaining community types, law enforcement in suburban counties cleared 20.8 percent of Crime Index offenses, 54.0 percent of violent crimes, and 16.4 percent of property crimes. Rural county law enforcement agencies recorded a 23.2 percent clearance rate for Crime Index offenses. Additionally, rural counties had a violent crime clearance rate of 61.4 percent and a property crime clearance rate of 18.3 percent. (See Table 25.)
Clearances Involving Only Persons Under 18 Years of Age
When an offender under the age of 18 is cited to appear in juvenile court or before other juvenile authorities, even though a physical arrest may not have occurred, the UCR Program considers that incident as a clearance by arrest. In addition, according to Program definitions, clearances involving both adult and juvenile offenders are classified as adult clearances. Therefore, because the juvenile clearance percentages in this publication include only the offenses in which there were no adults involved, these figures underestimate juvenile involvement in crime.
Of the Crime Index offenses law enforcement cleared, 18.0 percent involved only juveniles. In addition, juvenile offenders accounted for 11.9 percent of violent crime clearances and 20.3 percent of property crime clearances. Murder clearances showed the lowest percentage of juvenile involvement at 5.0 percent, and arson clearances showed the highest percentage of juvenile involvement at 43.0 percent. (See Table 28.)
By region, the Midwest had the largest percentage of Crime Index offenses involving only juveniles, clearing 22.7 percent. In the West, juveniles alone accounted for 20.0 percent of the clearances; in the Northeast, 16.2 percent; and in the South, 15.3 percent.
Table 25
Percent of Offenses Cleared by Arrest or Exceptional Means
by Population Group, 2002
[2002 estimated population]Modified
Crime Crime
Population group Index Index (1)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 10,121,721 10,192,984
Percent cleared by arrest 20.0 20.0
TOTAL CITIES: 9,130 cities;
population 159,128,836
Offenses known 7,966,962 8,020,178
Percent cleared by arrest 19.7 19.6
GROUP I
65 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 40,220,526
Offenses known 2,746,733 2,769,325
Percent cleared by arrest 16.8 16.7
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 846,653 853,517
Percent cleared by arrest 17.4 17.4
21 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 13,866,854
Offenses known 997,046 1,004,672
Percent cleared by arrest 15.6 15.6
36 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 12,694,399
Offenses known 903,034 911,136
Percent cleared by arrest 17.5 17.5
GROUP II
158 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 23,822,400
Offenses known 1,320,491 1,329,190
Percent cleared by arrest 18.6 18.5
GROUP III
381 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 26,328,413
Offenses known 1,187,713 1,194,733
Percent cleared by arrest 20.4 20.4
GROUP IV
682 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 23,803,053
Offenses known 965,387 971,002
Percent cleared by arrest 21.7 21.6
GROUP V
1,555 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 24,675,220
Offenses known 929,803 934,563
Percent cleared by arrest 23.9 23.9
GROUP VI
6,289 cities, under 10,000;
population 20,279,224
Offenses known 816,835 821,365
Percent cleared by arrest 22.9 22.9
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,279 agencies;
population 54,106,364
Offenses known 1,636,611 1,650,437
Percent cleared by arrest 20.8 20.7
RURAL COUNTIES
2,453 agencies;
population 26,835,062
Offenses known 518,148 522,369
Percent cleared by arrest 23.2 23.2
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
6,120 agencies;
population 99,561,928
Offenses known 3,226,405 3,249,065
Percent cleared by arrest 21.3 21.3
Violent Property
Population group crime (2) crime (3)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 1,184,453 8,937,268
Percent cleared by arrest 46.8 16.5
TOTAL CITIES: 9,130 cities;
population 159,128,836
Offenses known 934,424 7,032,538
Percent cleared by arrest 44.5 16.4
GROUP I
65 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 40,220,526
Offenses known 425,109 2,321,624
Percent cleared by arrest 38.6 12.8
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 149,894 696,759
Percent cleared by arrest 38.6 12.9
21 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 13,866,854
Offenses known 145,515 851,531
Percent cleared by arrest 37.2 11.9
36 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 12,694,399
Offenses known 129,700 773,334
Percent cleared by arrest 40.3 13.7
GROUP II
158 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 23,822,400
Offenses known 145,837 1,174,654
Percent cleared by arrest 44.4 15.3
GROUP III
381 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 26,328,413
Offenses known 126,887 1,060,826
Percent cleared by arrest 46.9 17.3
GROUP IV
682 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 23,803,053
Offenses known 87,974 877,413
Percent cleared by arrest 49.8 18.8
GROUP V
1,555 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 24,675,220
Offenses known 79,815 849,988
Percent cleared by arrest 53.4 21.1
GROUP VI
6,289 cities, under 10,000;
population 20,279,224
Offenses known 68,802 748,033
Percent cleared by arrest 58.9 19.6
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,279 agencies;
population 54,106,364
Offenses known 191,377 1,445,234
Percent cleared by arrest 54.0 16.4
RURAL COUNTIES
2,453 agencies;
population 26,835,062
Offenses known 58,652 459,496
Percent cleared by arrest 61.4 18.3
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
6,120 agencies;
population 99,561,928
Offenses known 320,382 2,906,023
Percent cleared by arrest 53.4 17.8
Murder and
non-negligent Forcible
Population group manslaughter rape Robbery
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 13,561 80,515 343,023
Percent cleared by arrest 64.0 44.5 25.7
TOTAL CITIES: 9,130 cities;
population 159,128,836
Offenses known 10,371 59,085 299,891
Percent cleared by arrest 62.0 43.4 25.0
GROUP I
65 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 40,220,526
Offenses known 5,643 19,771 158,573
Percent cleared by arrest 57.8 44.0 21.4
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 1,855 5,696 56,911
Percent cleared by arrest 61.9 42.9 22.2
21 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 13,866,854
Offenses known 2,020 7,443 52,147
Percent cleared by arrest 54.5 43.7 19.8
36 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 12,694,399
Offenses known 1,768 6,632 49,515
Percent cleared by arrest 57.1 45.2 22.3
GROUP II
158 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 23,822,400
Offenses known 1,698 9,645 50,401
Percent cleared by arrest 61.7 43.1 26.4
GROUP III
381 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 26,328,413
Offenses known 1,189 9,443 38,358
Percent cleared by arrest 67.3 41.9 27.6
GROUP IV
682 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 23,803,053
Offenses known 746 7,388 23,742
Percent cleared by arrest 72.3 40.4 30.9
GROUP V
1,555 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 24,675,220
Offenses known 612 7,156 18,290
Percent cleared by arrest 70.6 44.9 32.9
GROUP VI
6,289 cities, under 10,000;
population 20,279,224
Offenses known 483 5,682 10,527
Percent cleared by arrest 73.7 46.2 34.9
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,279 agencies;
population 54,106,364
Offenses known 2,227 15,051 38,727
Percent cleared by arrest 66.6 47.0 29.5
RURAL COUNTIES
2,453 agencies;
population 26,835,062
Offenses known 963 6,379 4,405
Percent cleared by arrest 78.9 49.8 41.4
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
6,120 agencies;
population 99,561,928
Offenses known 3,210 25,562 71,803
Percent cleared by arrest 67.5 45.7 29.9
Aggravated Larceny-
Population group assault Burglary theft
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 747,354 1,842,930 6,014,290
Percent cleared by arrest 56.5 13.0 18.0
TOTAL CITIES: 9,130 cities;
population 159,128,836
Offenses known 565,077 1,341,162 4,812,396
Percent cleared by arrest 54.6 12.3 18.1
GROUP I
65 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 40,220,526
Offenses known 241,122 455,961 1,442,526
Percent cleared by arrest 49.1 10.5 14.3
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 85,432 132,872 419,599
Percent cleared by arrest 48.7 10.7 14.8
21 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 13,866,854
Offenses known 83,905 170,288 539,734
Percent cleared by arrest 47.0 9.4 13.1
36 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 12,694,399
Offenses known 71,785 152,801 483,193
Percent cleared by arrest 51.9 11.4 15.1
GROUP II
158 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 23,822,400
Offenses known 84,093 226,441 793,631
Percent cleared by arrest 55.0 11.4 17.1
GROUP III
381 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 26,328,413
Offenses known 77,897 203,511 738,564
Percent cleared by arrest 56.7 12.3 19.4
GROUP IV
682 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 23,803,053
Offenses known 56,098 163,955 637,193
Percent cleared by arrest 58.7 12.8 20.8
GROUP V
1,555 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 24,675,220
Offenses known 53,757 156,697 631,531
Percent cleared by arrest 61.3 15.3 22.6
GROUP VI
6,289 cities, under 10,000;
population 20,279,224
Offenses known 52,110 134,597 568,951
Percent cleared by arrest 65.1 16.3 19.8
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,279 agencies;
population 54,106,364
Offenses known 135,372 349,563 930,563
Percent cleared by arrest 61.6 14.0 17.4
RURAL COUNTIES
2,453 agencies;
population 26,835,062
Offenses known 46,905 152,205 271,331
Percent cleared by arrest 64.5 16.6 17.9
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
6,120 agencies;
population 99,561,928
Offenses known 219,807 604,584 2,010,471
Percent cleared by arrest 61.7 14.1 19.1
Motor
vehicle
Population group theft Arson (1)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 1,080,048 71,263
Percent cleared by arrest 13.8 16.5
TOTAL CITIES: 9,130 cities;
population 159,128,836
Offenses known 878,980 53,216
Percent cleared by arrest 12.8 15.9
GROUP I
65 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 40,220,526
Offenses known 423,137 22,592
Percent cleared by arrest 10.3 10.5
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 144,288 6,864
Percent cleared by arrest 9.2 9.9
21 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 13,866,854
Offenses known 141,509 7,626
Percent cleared by arrest 10.3 10.9
36 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 12,694,399
Offenses known 137,340 8,102
Percent cleared by arrest 11.3 10.6
GROUP II
158 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 23,822,400
Offenses known 154,582 8,699
Percent cleared by arrest 11.9 15.7
GROUP III
381 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 26,328,413
Offenses known 118,751 7,020
Percent cleared by arrest 12.3 18.9
GROUP IV
682 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 23,803,053
Offenses known 76,265 5,615
Percent cleared by arrest 15.4 20.1
GROUP V
1,555 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 24,675,220
Offenses known 61,760 4,760
Percent cleared by arrest 20.8 24.5
GROUP VI
6,289 cities, under 10,000;
population 20,279,224
Offenses known 44,485 4,530
Percent cleared by arrest 26.3 24.6
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,279 agencies;
population 54,106,364
Offenses known 165,108 13,826
Percent cleared by arrest 15.7 17.1
RURAL COUNTIES
2,453 agencies;
population 26,835,062
Offenses known 35,960 4,221
Percent cleared by arrest 27.9 23.0
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
6,120 agencies;
population 99,561,928
Offenses known 290,968 22,660
Percent cleared by arrest 16.2 19.1
(1) Because arson is reported to the FBI separately from other
offenses, the number of agency reports used in arson clearance rates is
less than those used in compiling other Crime Index offense clearance
rates. The Modified Crime Index is the sum of the seven offenses making
up the Crime Index, with the addition of arson.
(2) Violent crimes are offenses of murder, forcible rape, robbery, and
aggravated assault.
(3) Property crimes are offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, and motor
vehicle theft.
(4) Suburban area includes law enforcement agencies in cities with less
than 50,000 inhabitants and county law enforcement agencies that are
within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (see Appendix III). Suburban
area excludes all metropolitan agencies associated with a central city.
The agencies associated with suburban areas also appear in other groups
within this table.
Table 26
Percent of Offenses Cleared by Arrest or Exceptional Means
by Geographic Region and Division, 2002
[2002 estimated population]Modified
Crime Crime Violent
Geographic region/division Index Index (1) crime (2)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 10,121,721 10,192,984 1,184,453
Percent cleared by arrest 20.0 20.0 46.8
NEW ENGLAND
761 agencies;
population 11,657,696
Offenses known 327,937 330,012 36,786
Percent cleared by arrest 21.1 21.0 51.0
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
1,934 agencies;
population 28,460,160
Offenses known 805,251 811,181 103,821
Percent cleared by arrest 26.5 26.4 52.6
NORTHEAST
2,695 agencies;
population 40,117,856
Offenses known 1,133,188 1,141,193 140,607
Percent cleared by arrest 24.9 24.9 52.2
EAST NORTH CENTRAL
1,594 agencies;
population 28,041,819
Offenses known 1,131,786 1,142,662 119,161
Percent cleared by arrest 16.7 16.6 36.9
WEST NORTH CENTRAL
1,712 agencies;
population 17,287,696
Offenses known 646,246 651,021 57,263
Percent cleared by arrest 21.7 21.7 55.4
MIDWEST
3,306 agencies;
population 45,329,515
Offenses known 1,778,032 1,793,683 176,424
Percent cleared by arrest 18.5 18.5 42.9
SOUTH ATLANTIC
2,569 agencies;
population 49,147,598
Offenses known 2,308,418 2,320,488 298,964
Percent cleared by arrest 21.4 21.4 49.3
EAST SOUTH CENTRAL
814 agencies;
population 12,043,974
Offenses known 585,742 588,288 68,775
Percent cleared by arrest 18.8 18.8 41.9
WEST SOUTH CENTRAL
1,625 agencies;
population 31,725,162
Offenses known 1,600,557 1,611,457 180,150
Percent cleared by arrest 19.5 19.5 45.9
SOUTH
5,008 agencies;
population 92,916,734
Offenses known 4,494,717 4,520,233 547,889
Percent cleared by arrest 20.4 20.4 47.2
MOUNTAIN
735 agencies;
population 17,875,995
Offenses known 879,016 883,998 81,454
Percent cleared by arrest 18.4 18.4 43.6
PACIFIC
1,118 agencies;
population 43,830,162
Offenses known 1,836,768 1,853,877 238,079
Percent cleared by arrest 18.4 18.3 46.8
WEST
1,853 agencies;
population 61,706,157
Offenses known 2,715,784 2,737,875 319,533
Percent cleared by arrest 18.4 18.4 46.0
Murder and
Property nonnegligent Forcible
Geographic region/division crime (3) manslaughter rape
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 8,937,268 13,561 80,515
Percent cleared by arrest 16.5 64.0 44.5
NEW ENGLAND
761 agencies;
population 11,657,696
Offenses known 291,151 281 3,089
Percent cleared by arrest 17.3 61.6 42.2
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
1,934 agencies;
population 28,460,160
Offenses known 701,430 1,203 6,569
Percent cleared by arrest 22.6 77.3 54.7
NORTHEAST
2,695 agencies;
population 40,117,856
Offenses known 992,581 1,484 9,658
Percent cleared by arrest 21.1 74.3 50.7
EAST NORTH CENTRAL
1,594 agencies;
population 28,041,819
Offenses known 1,012,625 1,559 12,013
Percent cleared by arrest 14.3 50.4 36.6
WEST NORTH CENTRAL
1,712 agencies;
population 17,287,696
Offenses known 588,983 526 5,451
Percent cleared by arrest 18.4 74.0 45.0
MIDWEST
3,306 agencies;
population 45,329,515
Offenses known 1,601,608 2,085 17,464
Percent cleared by arrest 15.8 56.3 39.2
SOUTH ATLANTIC
2,569 agencies;
population 49,147,598
Offenses known 2,009,454 3,346 15,558
Percent cleared by arrest 17.2 64.7 51.3
EAST SOUTH CENTRAL
814 agencies;
population 12,043,974
Offenses known 516,967 885 4,686
Percent cleared by arrest 15.7 70.5 37.9
WEST SOUTH CENTRAL
1,625 agencies;
population 31,725,162
Offenses known 1,420,407 2,161 12,137
Percent cleared by arrest 16.2 70.4 48.8
SOUTH
5,008 agencies;
population 92,916,734
Offenses known 3,946,828 6,392 32,381
Percent cleared by arrest 16.7 67.4 48.4
MOUNTAIN
735 agencies;
population 17,875,995
Offenses known 797,562 961 6,931
Percent cleared by arrest 15.8 56.6 35.9
PACIFIC
1,118 agencies;
population 43,830,162
Offenses known 1,598,689 2,639 14,081
Percent cleared by arrest 14.2 58.6 42.2
WEST
1,853 agencies;
population 61,706,157
Offenses known 2,396,251 3,600 21,012
Percent cleared by arrest 14.7 58.1 40.1
Aggravated
Geographic region/division Robbery assault Burglary
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 343,023 747,354 1,842,930
Percent cleared by arrest 25.7 56.5 13.0
NEW ENGLAND
761 agencies;
population 11,657,696
Offenses known 10,335 23,081 54,723
Percent cleared by arrest 27.0 62.8 14.2
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
1,934 agencies;
population 28,460,160
Offenses known 38,295 57,754 132,198
Percent cleared by arrest 32.1 65.4 19.2
NORTHEAST
2,695 agencies;
population 40,117,856
Offenses known 48,630 80,835 186,921
Percent cleared by arrest 31.0 64.7 17.7
EAST NORTH CENTRAL
1,594 agencies;
population 28,041,819
Offenses known 38,528 67,061 213,619
Percent cleared by arrest 19.0 47.0 10.0
WEST NORTH CENTRAL
1,712 agencies;
population 17,287,696
Offenses known 11,337 39,949 104,790
Percent cleared by arrest 29.9 63.9 13.1
MIDWEST
3,306 agencies;
population 45,329,515
Offenses known 49,865 107,010 318,409
Percent cleared by arrest 21.5 53.3 11.0
SOUTH ATLANTIC
2,569 agencies;
population 49,147,598
Offenses known 84,173 195,887 444,889
Percent cleared by arrest 26.3 58.7 14.8
EAST SOUTH CENTRAL
814 agencies;
population 12,043,974
Offenses known 18,549 44,655 124,081
Percent cleared by arrest 23.0 49.6 11.3
WEST SOUTH CENTRAL
1,625 agencies;
population 31,725,162
Offenses known 49,469 116,383 309,213
Percent cleared by arrest 26.6 53.3 12.2
SOUTH
5,008 agencies;
population 92,916,734
Offenses known 152,191 356,925 878,183
Percent cleared by arrest 26.0 55.8 13.4
MOUNTAIN
735 agencies;
population 17,875,995
Offenses known 19,841 53,721 147,067
Percent cleared by arrest 22.8 52.1 11.3
PACIFIC
1,118 agencies;
population 43,830,162
Offenses known 72,496 148,863 312,350
Percent cleared by arrest 25.2 57.5 12.0
WEST
1,853 agencies;
population 61,706,157
Offenses known 92,337 202,584 459,417
Percent cleared by arrest 24.7 56.1 11.8
Motor
Larceny- vehicle
Geographic region/division theft theft Arson (1)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,862 agencies;
population 240,070,262
Offenses known 6,014,290 1,080,048 71,263
Percent cleared by arrest 18.0 13.8 16.5
NEW ENGLAND
761 agencies;
population 11,657,696
Offenses known 201,459 34,969 2,075
Percent cleared by arrest 18.6 14.3 17.4
MIDDLE ATLANTIC
1,934 agencies;
population 28,460,160
Offenses known 485,894 83,338 5,930
Percent cleared by arrest 24.7 16.2 20.6
NORTHEAST
2,695 agencies;
population 40,117,856
Offenses known 687,353 118,307 8,005
Percent cleared by arrest 22.9 15.7 19.8
EAST NORTH CENTRAL
1,594 agencies;
population 28,041,819
Offenses known 683,068 115,938 10,876
Percent cleared by arrest 15.8 13.0 12.7
WEST NORTH CENTRAL
1,712 agencies;
population 17,287,696
Offenses known 431,723 52,470 4,775
Percent cleared by arrest 19.6 19.2 19.5
MIDWEST
3,306 agencies;
population 45,329,515
Offenses known 1,114,791 168,408 15,651
Percent cleared by arrest 17.3 14.9 14.8
SOUTH ATLANTIC
2,569 agencies;
population 49,147,598
Offenses known 1,347,608 216,957 12,070
Percent cleared by arrest 18.3 15.9 19.7
EAST SOUTH CENTRAL
814 agencies;
population 12,043,974
Offenses known 344,455 48,431 2,546
Percent cleared by arrest 17.4 15.2 17.6
WEST SOUTH CENTRAL
1,625 agencies;
population 31,725,162
Offenses known 970,928 140,266 10,900
Percent cleared by arrest 17.6 15.2 18.3
SOUTH
5,008 agencies;
population 92,916,734
Offenses known 2,662,991 405,654 25,516
Percent cleared by arrest 17.9 15.6 18.9
MOUNTAIN
735 agencies;
population 17,875,995
Offenses known 536,222 114,273 4,982
Percent cleared by arrest 17.7 12.9 19.4
PACIFIC
1,118 agencies;
population 43,830,162
Offenses known 1,012,933 273,406 17,109
Percent cleared by arrest 16.0 9.9 12.3
WEST
1,853 agencies;
population 61,706,157
Offenses known 1,549,155 387,679 22,091
Percent cleared by arrest 16.6 10.8 13.9
(1) Because arson is reported to the FBI separately from other
offenses, the number of agency reports used in arson clearance rates is
less than those used in compiling other Crime Index offense clearance
rates. The Modified Crime Index is the sum of the seven offenses making
up the Crime Index, with the addition of arson.
(2) Violent crimes are offenses of murder, forcible rape, robbery, and
aggravated assault.
(3) Property crimes are offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, and motor
vehicle theft.
Table 27
Percent of Offenses Cleared by Arrest or Exceptional Means
Breakdown of Offenses Known
by Population Group, 2002
[2002 estimated population]Forcible rape
Rape by Assault to
Population group force rape-attempts
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 66,158 6,699
Percent cleared by arrest 43.7 44.2
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 49,715 5,401
Percent cleared by arrest 43.0 43.6
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 16,567 2,209
Percent cleared by arrest 43.5 45.2
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 4,870 826
Percent cleared by arrest 41.7 49.9
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 6,176 809
Percent cleared by arrest 42.7 39.9
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 5,521 574
Percent cleared by arrest 45.9 46.0
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 8,065 810
Percent cleared by arrest 42.6 40.9
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 7,794 669
Percent cleared by arrest 41.3 39.2
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 6,252 534
Percent cleared by arrest 40.1 46.3
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 6,177 573
Percent cleared by arrest 44.7 42.2
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 4,860 606
Percent cleared by arrest 46.4 45.5
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 10,868 906
Percent cleared by arrest 44.6 45.3
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 5,575 392
Percent cleared by arrest 48.8 49.0
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 19,562 1,841
Percent cleared by arrest 44.3 43.9
Robbery
Knife or
cutting
Population group Firearm instrument
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 129,309 26,942
Percent cleared by arrest 20.3 28.2
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 114,535 24,235
Percent cleared by arrest 19.8 27.4
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 65,643 12,528
Percent cleared by arrest 17.1 23.3
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 25,949 5,544
Percent cleared by arrest 17.4 22.9
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 21,193 3,752
Percent cleared by arrest 14.4 22.1
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 18,501 3,232
Percent cleared by arrest 19.8 25.2
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 19,545 4,162
Percent cleared by arrest 21.4 29.1
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 12,466 3,246
Percent cleared by arrest 22.3 29.3
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 7,342 1,997
Percent cleared by arrest 25.8 32.0
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 6,057 1,423
Percent cleared by arrest 27.4 38.2
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 3,482 879
Percent cleared by arrest 29.1 43.3
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 13,102 2,349
Percent cleared by arrest 22.1 35.1
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 1,672 358
Percent cleared by arrest 38.3 39.7
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 23,775 4,904
Percent cleared by arrest 22.9 34.9
Robbery
Other
Population group weapon Strong-arm
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 27,999 119,904
Percent cleared by arrest 28.0 29.8
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 24,673 108,368
Percent cleared by arrest 27.1 29.2
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 12,064 55,482
Percent cleared by arrest 23.7 25.4
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 4,508 20,910
Percent cleared by arrest 23.6 27.6
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 4,155 16,315
Percent cleared by arrest 21.5 22.5
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 3,401 18,257
Percent cleared by arrest 26.6 25.4
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 4,584 17,681
Percent cleared by arrest 27.2 30.2
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 3,020 14,464
Percent cleared by arrest 30.3 31.6
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 2,250 9,308
Percent cleared by arrest 32.1 35.5
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 1,791 7,131
Percent cleared by arrest 33.6 37.7
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 964 4,302
Percent cleared by arrest 33.5 38.2
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 2,843 10,190
Percent cleared by arrest 33.3 34.6
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 483 1,346
Percent cleared by arrest 44.5 43.0
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 5,759 22,811
Percent cleared by arrest 32.7 35.0
Aggravated assault
Knife or
cutting
Population group Firearm instrument
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 126,072 115,673
Percent cleared by arrest 41.3 62.2
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 102,154 94,871
Percent cleared by arrest 38.2 61.0
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 55,660 41,090
Percent cleared by arrest 32.9 57.9
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 22,239 15,111
Percent cleared by arrest 29.0 56.3
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 18,188 14,199
Percent cleared by arrest 33.4 55.4
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 15,233 11,780
Percent cleared by arrest 38.0 63.2
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 16,367 15,039
Percent cleared by arrest 38.9 61.4
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 11,326 12,968
Percent cleared by arrest 40.7 60.8
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 7,315 9,331
Percent cleared by arrest 46.8 64.2
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 6,166 8,728
Percent cleared by arrest 52.1 65.4
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 5,320 7,715
Percent cleared by arrest 58.3 68.0
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 16,394 15,155
Percent cleared by arrest 50.8 67.1
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 7,524 5,647
Percent cleared by arrest 62.1 69.0
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 25,040 27,269
Percent cleared by arrest 50.3 66.3
Aggravated assault
Hands,
Other fists,
Population group weapon feet, etc.
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 218,827 186,326
Percent cleared by arrest 55.5 63.3
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 172,141 137,495
Percent cleared by arrest 53.9 62.5
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 76,223 43,587
Percent cleared by arrest 50.4 58.2
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 25,348 22,734
Percent cleared by arrest 49.3 62.3
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 28,177 10,039
Percent cleared by arrest 47.8 49.4
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 22,698 10,814
Percent cleared by arrest 54.9 58.0
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 28,404 15,537
Percent cleared by arrest 53.3 62.1
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 23,815 19,303
Percent cleared by arrest 55.9 63.8
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 16,313 17,536
Percent cleared by arrest 57.8 62.4
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 14,886 18,386
Percent cleared by arrest 59.2 65.1
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 12,500 23,146
Percent cleared by arrest 61.1 67.7
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 34,905 30,955
Percent cleared by arrest 61.4 66.3
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 11,781 17,876
Percent cleared by arrest 62.3 63.9
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 57,125 61,223
Percent cleared by arrest 60.8 66.6
Burglary
Attempted
Forcible Unlawful forcible
Population group entry entry entry
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 1,033,712 504,385 106,502
Percent cleared by arrest 12.3 14.1 10.8
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 771,293 374,776 82,678
Percent cleared by arrest 11.7 13.6 10.3
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 289,956 108,236 23,765
Percent cleared by arrest 9.8 11.3 9.2
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 91,761 34,490 6,621
Percent cleared by arrest 10.3 12.0 9.7
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 106,399 35,939 10,000
Percent cleared by arrest 8.2 9.5 8.2
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 91,796 37,807 7,144
Percent cleared by arrest 11.1 12.3 10.2
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 135,452 57,819 13,420
Percent cleared by arrest 10.8 13.1 10.0
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 107,314 58,523 13,891
Percent cleared by arrest 11.7 13.3 9.9
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 85,548 51,940 11,879
Percent cleared by arrest 12.4 13.8 9.4
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 83,057 50,855 10,250
Percent cleared by arrest 14.9 16.8 12.9
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 69,966 47,403 9,473
Percent cleared by arrest 16.5 16.5 12.4
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 168,682 87,928 16,873
Percent cleared by arrest 12.8 15.0 10.3
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 93,737 41,681 6,951
Percent cleared by arrest 16.0 16.5 17.2
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 294,622 172,469 35,227
Percent cleared by arrest 13.2 15.2 10.6
Motor vehicle theft
Trucks
and Other
Population group Autos buses vehicles
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 724,754 179,072 72,167
Percent cleared by arrest 14.1 11.6 12.9
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 615,915 147,974 48,424
Percent cleared by arrest 13.1 10.8 12.6
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 288,125 90,209 18,655
Percent cleared by arrest 10.6 8.4 10.8
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 97,763 38,496 8,029
Percent cleared by arrest 10.6 6.4 7.0
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 95,797 27,948 5,795
Percent cleared by arrest 9.9 9.8 4.5
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 94,565 23,765 4,831
Percent cleared by arrest 11.3 10.0 24.7
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 109,806 23,537 7,092
Percent cleared by arrest 12.1 10.9 9.0
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 86,352 13,191 6,710
Percent cleared by arrest 12.1 12.8 11.6
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 54,902 8,668 5,306
Percent cleared by arrest 15.4 16.4 12.3
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 45,388 6,869 5,264
Percent cleared by arrest 21.5 19.5 17.3
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 31,342 5,500 5,397
Percent cleared by arrest 27.6 25.5 20.2
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 88,919 25,268 15,891
Percent cleared by arrest 16.4 12.7 11.4
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 19,920 5,830 7,852
Percent cleared by arrest 31.4 26.3 17.9
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 179,863 38,871 25,971
Percent cleared by arrest 16.8 13.9 12.7
Arson (1)
Population group Structure Mobile Other
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
12,246 agencies;
population 221,558,621
Offenses known 25,943 21,219 16,725
Percent cleared by arrest 22.4 7.2 20.7
TOTAL CITIES: 8,791 cities;
population 149,851,350
Offenses known 19,758 15,270 12,398
Percent cleared by arrest 22.1 6.9 20.3
GROUP I
60 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 37,824,297
Offenses known 7,413 7,643 3,574
Percent cleared by arrest 18.2 4.0 15.8
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Offenses known 2,251 3,414 1,199
Percent cleared by arrest 15.3 3.0 19.2
19 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 12,426,573
Offenses known 1,994 1,431 966
Percent cleared by arrest 25.5 6.3 14.2
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Offenses known 3,168 2,798 1,409
Percent cleared by arrest 15.7 3.9 14.0
GROUP II
147 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 22,100,981
Offenses known 3,380 2,740 2,040
Percent cleared by arrest 19.8 5.6 21.0
GROUP III
350 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 24,172,113
Offenses known 2,733 1,933 1,884
Percent cleared by arrest 23.9 9.6 20.6
GROUP IV
646 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 22,508,549
Offenses known 2,130 1,279 1,869
Percent cleared by arrest 24.5 10.4 21.9
GROUP V
1,481 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 23,534,294
Offenses known 2,105 901 1,498
Percent cleared by arrest 27.9 15.1 25.9
GROUP VI
6,107 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,711,116
Offenses known 1,997 774 1,533
Percent cleared by arrest 29.0 18.1 21.9
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,127 agencies;
population 46,036,211
Offenses known 4,079 4,946 3,429
Percent cleared by arrest 22.7 6.6 21.6
RURAL COUNTIES
2,328 agencies;
population 25,671,060
Offenses known 2,106 1,003 898
Percent cleared by arrest 25.3 15.8 22.5
SUBURBAN AREA (2)
5,737 agencies;
population 89,073,699
Offenses known 7,542 6,745 6,517
Percent cleared by arrest 24.6 8.4 22.2
(1) Because arson is reported to the FBI separately from other
offenses, the number of agency reports used in arson clearance rates is
less than those used in compiling other Crime Index offense clearance
rates. It is necessary to report arson clearances by detailed property
classification as specified on the Monthly Return of Arson Offenses
Known to Law Enforcement to be included in this table; therefore,
clearances in this table may differ from other clearance tables.
(2) Suburban area includes law enforcement agencies in cities with less
than 50,000 inhabitants and county law enforcement agencies that are
within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (see Appendix III). Suburban
area excludes all metropolitan agencies associated with a central city.
The agencies associated with suburban areas also appear in other groups
within this table.
Table 28
Number of Offenses Cleared by Arrest or Exceptional Means
of Persons Under 18 Years of Age
by Population Group, 2002
[2002 estimated population]Modified
Crime Crime
Population group Index Index (1)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
11,912 agencies;
population 212,703,198
Total clearances 1,715,344 1,725,968
Percent under 18 18.0 18.2
TOTAL CITIES: 8,647 cities;
population 144,084,799
Total clearances 1,366,819 1,374,546
Percent under 18 18.6 18.8
GROUP I
56 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 35,189,022
Total clearances 391,212 393,253
Percent under 18 15.2 15.3
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Total clearances 147,518 148,197
Percent under 18 13.8 13.9
15 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 9,791,298
Total clearances 101,556 102,114
Percent under 18 14.9 15.0
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Total clearances 142,138 142,942
Percent under 18 16.7 16.9
GROUP II
140 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 21,144,564
Total clearances 208,095 209,321
Percent under 18 18.2 18.3
GROUP III
342 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 23,701,295
Total clearances 211,407 212,629
Percent under 18 21.1 21.2
GROUP IV
628 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 21,868,627
Total clearances 184,190 185,258
Percent under 18 21.1 21.2
GROUP V
1,429 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 22,716,911
Total clearances 197,861 198,958
Percent under 18 20.0 20.2
GROUP VI
6,052 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,464,380
Total clearances 174,054 175,127
Percent under 18 19.6 19.8
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,053 agencies;
population 44,134,049
Total clearances 244,872 246,881
Percent under 18 16.4 16.5
RURAL COUNTIES
2,212 agencies;
population 24,484,350
Total clearances 103,653 104,541
Percent under 18 14.5 14.6
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
5,581 agencies;
population 85,992,422
Total clearances 548,995 552,871
Percent under 18 18.5 18.7
Violent Property
Population group crime (2) crime (3)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
11,912 agencies;
population 212,703,198
Total clearances 460,834 1,254,510
Percent under 18 11.9 20.3
TOTAL CITIES: 8,647 cities;
population 144,084,799
Total clearances 356,903 1,009,916
Percent under 18 12.1 20.9
GROUP I
56 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 35,189,022
Total clearances 138,430 252,782
Percent under 18 10.2 17.8
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Total clearances 57,801 89,717
Percent under 18 9.2 16.8
15 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 9,791,298
Total clearances 34,923 66,633
Percent under 18 10.5 17.2
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Total clearances 45,706 96,432
Percent under 18 11.4 19.3
GROUP II
140 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 21,144,564
Total clearances 54,414 153,681
Percent under 18 11.6 20.5
GROUP III
342 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 23,701,295
Total clearances 51,078 160,329
Percent under 18 13.5 23.5
GROUP IV
628 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 21,868,627
Total clearances 38,302 145,888
Percent under 18 13.9 22.9
GROUP V
1,429 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 22,716,911
Total clearances 37,283 160,578
Percent under 18 13.7 21.5
GROUP VI
6,052 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,464,380
Total clearances 37,396 136,658
Percent under 18 14.2 21.1
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,053 agencies;
population 44,134,049
Total clearances 72,856 172,016
Percent under 18 12.3 18.1
RURAL COUNTIES
2,212 agencies;
population 24,484,350
Total clearances 31,075 72,578
Percent under 18 9.6 16.5
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
5,581 agencies;
population 85,992,422
Total clearances 130,615 418,380
Percent under 18 13.6 20.0
Murder and
non-negligent Forcible
Population group manslaughter rape Robbery
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
11,912 agencies;
population 212,703,198
Total clearances 7,473 30,521 73,815
Percent under 18 5.0 12.0 14.1
TOTAL CITIES: 8,647 cities;
population 144,084,799
Total clearances 5,599 22,632 64,405
Percent under 18 5.4 11.6 14.2
GROUP I
56 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 35,189,022
Total clearances 2,774 7,594 29,021
Percent under 18 5.1 9.1 13.8
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Total clearances 1,148 2,443 12,617
Percent under 18 5.1 8.5 13.8
15 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 9,791,298
Total clearances 680 2,355 6,396
Percent under 18 3.7 8.9 14.9
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Total clearances 946 2,796 10,008
Percent under 18 6.0 9.9 13.1
GROUP II
140 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 21,144,564
Total clearances 935 3,543 11,455
Percent under 18 5.7 9.4 13.8
GROUP III
342 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 23,701,295
Total clearances 713 3,454 9,113
Percent under 18 5.8 13.1 16.3
GROUP IV
628 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 21,868,627
Total clearances 458 2,640 6,269
Percent under 18 5.9 13.3 15.2
GROUP V
1,429 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 22,716,911
Total clearances 385 2,898 5,239
Percent under 18 5.2 16.0 13.6
GROUP VI
6,052 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,464,380
Total clearances 334 2,503 3,308
Percent under 18 5.7 13.2 13.5
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,053 agencies;
population 44,134,049
Total clearances 1,185 5,088 7,968
Percent under 18 4.0 12.8 14.4
RURAL COUNTIES
2,212 agencies;
population 24,484,350
Total clearances 689 2,801 1,442
Percent under 18 4.2 13.8 7.4
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
5,581 agencies;
population 85,992,422
Total clearances 1,768 9,178 16,460
Percent under 18 4.8 13.9 14.6
Aggravated Larceny-
Population group assault Burglary theft
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
11,912 agencies;
population 212,703,198
Total clearances 349,025 199,395 929,658
Percent under 18 11.6 17.3 21.2
TOTAL CITIES: 8,647 cities;
population 144,084,799
Total clearances 264,267 142,839 769,020
Percent under 18 11.7 17.3 21.9
GROUP I
56 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 35,189,022
Total clearances 99,041 39,903 175,057
Percent under 18 9.4 14.4 18.3
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Total clearances 41,593 14,217 62,174
Percent under 18 7.9 13.2 17.6
15 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 9,791,298
Total clearances 25,492 10,067 46,297
Percent under 18 9.8 14.7 16.8
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Total clearances 31,956 15,619 66,586
Percent under 18 11.2 15.3 20.0
GROUP II
140 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 21,144,564
Total clearances 38,481 22,045 116,431
Percent under 18 11.3 16.2 21.8
GROUP III
342 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 23,701,295
Total clearances 37,798 21,363 126,249
Percent under 18 13.0 17.6 25.0
GROUP IV
628 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 21,868,627
Total clearances 28,935 18,054 117,778
Percent under 18 13.7 19.4 23.8
GROUP V
1,429 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 22,716,911
Total clearances 28,761 21,259 128,035
Percent under 18 13.5 18.0 22.5
GROUP VI
6,052 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,464,380
Total clearances 31,251 20,215 105,470
Percent under 18 14.5 21.5 21.3
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,053 agencies;
population 44,134,049
Total clearances 58,615 34,919 118,309
Percent under 18 12.1 17.6 18.6
RURAL COUNTIES
2,212 agencies;
population 24,484,350
Total clearances 26,143 21,637 42,329
Percent under 18 9.5 16.6 15.9
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
5,581 agencies;
population 85,992,422
Total clearances 103,209 65,999 314,949
Percent under 18 13.5 18.6 20.7
Motor
vehicle
Population group theft Arson (1)
TOTAL ALL AGENCIES:
11,912 agencies;
population 212,703,198
Total clearances 125,457 10,624
Percent under 18 18.2 43.0
TOTAL CITIES: 8,647 cities;
population 144,084,799
Total clearances 98,057 7,727
Percent under 18 18.5 45.6
GROUP I
56 cities, 250,000 and over;
population 35,189,022
Total clearances 37,822 2,041
Percent under 18 19.3 42.1
8 cities, 1,000,000 and over;
population 13,659,273
Total clearances 13,326 679
Percent under 18 16.8 40.4
15 cities, 500,000 to 999,999;
population 9,791,298
Total clearances 10,269 558
Percent under 18 21.1 45.0
33 cities, 250,000 to 499,999;
population 11,738,451
Total clearances 14,227 804
Percent under 18 20.2 41.7
GROUP II
140 cities, 100,000 to 249,999;
population 21,144,564
Total clearances 15,205 1,226
Percent under 18 17.1 43.4
GROUP III
342 cities, 50,000 to 99,999;
population 23,701,295
Total clearances 12,717 1,222
Percent under 18 19.2 44.8
GROUP IV
628 cities, 25,000 to 49,999;
population 21,868,627
Total clearances 10,056 1,068
Percent under 18 19.2 49.0
GROUP V
1,429 cities, 10,000 to 24,999;
population 22,716,911
Total clearances 11,284 1,097
Percent under 18 17.1 47.7
GROUP VI
6,052 cities, under 10,000;
population 19,464,380
Total clearances 10,973 1,073
Percent under 18 17.6 50.3
SUBURBAN COUNTIES
1,053 agencies;
population 44,134,049
Total clearances 18,788 2,009
Percent under 18 16.1 39.1
RURAL COUNTIES
2,212 agencies;
population 24,484,350
Total clearances 8,612 888
Percent under 18 19.7 28.6
SUBURBAN AREA (4)
5,581 agencies;
population 85,992,422
Total clearances 37,432 3,876
Percent under 18 16.5 45.9
(1) Because arson is reported to the FBI separately from other
offenses, the number of agency reports used in arson clearance rates
is less than those used in compiling other Crime Index offense
clearance rates. The Modified Crime Index is the sum of the seven
offenses making up the Crime Index, with the addition of arson.
(2) Violent crimes are offenses of murder, forcible rape, robbery,
and aggravated assault.
(3) Property crimes are offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, and
motor vehicle theft.
(4) Suburban area includes law enforcement agencies in cities with
less than 50,000 inhabitants and county law enforcement agencies that
are within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (see Appendix III). Suburban
area excludes all metropolitan agencies associated with a central city.
The agencies associated with suburban areas also appear in other groups
within this table.
Figure 3.1
Crimes Cleared by Arrest
Percent of crimes cleared by arrest, 2002
Violent crime
Murder 64.0
Aggravated Assault 56.5
Forcible Rape 44.5
Robbery 25.7
Property crime
Larceny-theft 18.0
Motor Vehicle Theft 13.8
Burglary 13.0
Note: Table made from bar graph.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Federal Bureau of Investigation
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
