In 2023, murder and manslaughter charges had the highest crime clearance rate in the United States, with 57.8 percent of all cases being cleared by arrest or so-called exceptional means. Motor vehicle theft cases had the lowest crime clearance rate, at 8.2 percent. What is crime clearance? Within the U.S. criminal justice system, criminal cases can be cleared (or closed) one of two ways. The first is through arrest, which means that at least one person has either been arrested, charged with an offense, or turned over to the court for prosecution. The second way a case can be closed is through what is called exceptional means, where law enforcement must have either identified the offender, gathered enough evidence to arrest, charge, and prosecute someone, identified the offender’s exact location, or come up against a circumstance outside the control of law enforcement that keeps them from arresting and prosecuting the offender. Crime in the United States Despite what many people may believe, crime in the United States has been on the decline. Particularly in regard to violent crime, the violent crime rate has almost halved since 1990, meaning that the U.S. is safer than it was almost 30 years ago. However, due to the FBI's recent transition to a new crime reporting system in which law enforcement agencies voluntarily report crime data, it is possible that figures do not accurately reflect the total amount of crime in the country.

In 2020, around 28.5 percent of all known rape offenses in cities in the United States were cleared by arrest or by exceptional means. In that same year, 52.3 percent of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases in U.S. citites were cleared by arrest or by exceptional means.

In 2023, the violent crime rate in the United States was 363.8 cases per 100,000 of the population. Even though the violent crime rate has been decreasing since 1990, the United States tops the ranking of countries with the most prisoners. In addition, due to the FBI's transition to a new crime reporting system in which law enforcement agencies voluntarily submit crime reports, data may not accurately reflect the total number of crimes committed in recent years. Reported violent crime rate in the United States The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the rate of reported violent crimes per 100,000 U.S. inhabitants. In the timeline above, rates are shown starting in 1990. The rate of reported violent crime has fallen since a high of 758.20 reported crimes in 1991 to a low of 363.6 reported violent crimes in 2014. In 2023, there were around 1.22 million violent crimes reported to the FBI in the United States. This number can be compared to the total number of property crimes, roughly 6.41 million that year. Of violent crimes in 2023, aggravated assaults were the most common offenses in the United States, while homicide offenses were the least common. Law enforcement officers and crime clearance Though the violent crime rate was down in 2013, the number of law enforcement officers also fell. Between 2005 and 2009, the number of law enforcement officers in the United States rose from around 673,100 to 708,800. However, since 2009, the number of officers fell to a low of 626,900 officers in 2013. The number of law enforcement officers has since grown, reaching 720,652 in 2023. In 2023, the crime clearance rate in the U.S. was highest for murder and non-negligent manslaughter charges, with around 57.8 percent of murders being solved by investigators and a suspect being charged with the crime. Additionally, roughly 46.1 percent of aggravated assaults were cleared in that year. A statistics report on violent crime in the U.S. can be found here.

The graph illustrates the murder rate in the United States from 1985 to 2025. The x-axis represents the years, labeled with two-digit abbreviations from '85 to '25, while the y-axis shows the annual murder rate per 100,000 individuals. Throughout this 41-year period, the murder rate fluctuates between a high of 10.66 in 1991 and a low of 4.7 in 2014. Overall, the data reveals a significant downward trend in the murder rate from the mid-1980s, reaching its lowest point in the mid-2010s, followed by slight increases in the most recent years.

This dataset provides the crime clearance rate nationally and for the City of Tempe. An overall clearance rate is developed as part of the Department’s report for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program. The statistics in the UCR Program are based on reports the Tempe Police Department officially submits to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).In the UCR Program, there are two ways that a law enforcement agency can report that an offense is cleared:(1) cleared by arrest or solved for crime reporting purposes, or(2) cleared by exceptional means.An offense is cleared by arrest, or solved for crime reporting purposes, when three specific conditions have been met. The three conditions are that at least one person has been: (1) arrested; (2) charged with the commission of the offense; and (3) turned over to the court for prosecution.In some situations, an agency may be prevented from arresting and formally charging an offender due to factors outside of the agency's control. In these cases, an offense can be cleared by exceptional means, if the following four conditions are met: (1) identified the offender; (2) gathered enough evidence to support an arrest, make a charge, and turn over the offender to the court for prosecution; (3) identified offender’s exact _location so that suspect can immediately be taken into custody; and (4) encountered a circumstance outside law enforcement"s control that prohibits arresting, charging and prosecuting the offender.The UCR clearance rate is one tool for helping the police to understand and assess success at investigating crimes. However, these rates should be interpreted with an understanding of the unique challenges faced in reporting and investigating crimes. Clearance rates for a given year may be greater than 100% because a clearance is reported for the year the clearance occurs, which may not be the same year that the crime occurred. Often, investigations may take months or years, resulting in cases being cleared years after the actual offense. Additionally, there may be delays in the reporting of crimes, which would push the clearance of the case out beyond the year it happened.This page provides data for the Violent Cases Clearance Rate performance measure. The performance measure dashboard is available at 1.12 Violent Cases Clearance Rate.Additional InformationSource: Tempe Police Department (TPD) Versadex Records Management System (RMS) submitted to Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS), which submits data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Contact (author): Contact E-Mail (author): Contact (maintainer): Brooks LoutonContact E-Mail (maintainer): Brooks_Louton@tempe.govData Source Type: ExcelPreparation Method: Drawn from the Annual FBI Crime In the United States PublicationPublish Frequency: AnnuallyPublish Method: ManualData Dictionary

In 2023, the clearance rate for robberies in the South of the United States stood at 24.5 percent. The clearance rate for robberies was highest in the Northeast, at 38.3 percent. Crime clearance is when an arrest is made in a case, or it is cleared by exceptional means.

The average for 2017 based on 97 countries was 7.4 homicides per 100,000 people. The highest value was in El Salvador: 61.8 homicides per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Japan: 0.2 homicides per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Turks and Caicos Islands saw a murder rate of ***** per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide as of 2024. Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 29 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Colima in Mexico was the most dangerous city for murders. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in Afghanistan or Syria. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly in some countries. Causes of death Also, noteworthy is that murders are usually not random events. In the United States, the circumstances of murders are most commonly arguments, followed by narcotics incidents and robberies. Additionally, murders are not a leading cause of death. Heart diseases, strokes and cancer pose a greater threat to life than violent crime.

In 2024, the highest homicide rate among 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed was in Haiti, with around 62 murders committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Trinidad and Tobago came in second, with a homicide rate of 46, while Honduras ranked seventh, with 25. In the same year, the lowest rate was recorded in El Salvador, with a homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. A violence-ridden region Violence and crime are some of the most pressing problems affecting Latin American society nowadays. More than 40 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are located in this region, as well as one of the twenty countries with the least peace in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Despite governments’ large spending on security and high imprisonment rates, drug and weapon trafficking, organized crime, and gangs have turned violence into an epidemic that affects the whole region and a solution to this issue appears to be hardly attainable. The cost of violence in Mexico Mexico stands out as an example of the great cost that violence inflicts upon a country, since beyond claiming human lives, it also affects everyday life and has a negative impact on the economy. Mexicans have a high perceived level of insecurity, as they do not only fear becoming victims of homicide, but also of other common crimes, such as assault or rape. Such fear prevents people from performing everyday activities, for instance, going out at night, taking a taxi or going to the movies or the theater. Furthermore, the economic toll of violence in Mexico is more than considerable. For example, the cost of homicide and violent crime amounted to 2099.8 and 1778.1 billion Mexican pesos in 2023, respectively.

In 2019, there were six deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States, compared to 5.9 deaths by homicide in the previous year. This is an increase from 1950, when there were 5.1 deaths by homicide per 100,000 resident population in the United States. However, within the provided time period, the death rate for homicide in the U.S. was highest in 1980, when there were 10.4 deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States.

Homicides in the United States

The term homicide is used when a human being is killed by another human being. Criminal homicide takes several forms, for example murder; but homicide is not always a crime, it also includes affirmative defense, insanity, self-defense or the execution of convicted criminals. In the United States, youth homicide has especially been seen as a problem of urban areas, due to poverty, limited adult supervision, involvement in drug and gang activities, and school failure. Both homicide rates and suicide rates in the U.S. among people aged 20 to 24 and teenagers aged 15 to 19 have vastly increased since 2001.

In 2020, around 37.2 percent of all known rape offenses in metropolitan counties in the United States were cleared by arrest or by exceptional means. For murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, 61.8 percent of known cases were cleared by arrest or exceptional means.

In 2023, the state with the highest crime rate in the United States per 100,000 inhabitants was New Mexico. That year, the crime rate was ******** crimes per 100,000 people. In comparison, New Hampshire had the lowest crime rate at ****** crimes per 100,000 people. Crime rate The crime rate in the United States has generally decreased over time. There are several factors attributed to the decrease in the crime rate across the United States. An increase in the number of police officers and an increase in income are some of the reasons for a decrease in the crime rate. Unfortunately, people of color have been disproportionately affected by crime rates, as they are more likely to be arrested for a crime versus a white person. Crime rates regionally The District of Columbia had the highest rate of reported violent crimes in the United States in 2023 per 100,000 inhabitants. The most common crime clearance type in metropolitan counties in the United States in 2020 was murder and non-negligent manslaughter. The second most dangerous city in the country in 2020 was Detroit. Detroit has faced severe levels of economic and demographic declines in the past years. Not only has the population decreased, the city has filed for bankruptcy. Despite the median household income increasing, the city still struggles financially.

In 2023, the rate of forcible rapes in the United States stood at 38 per 100,000 inhabitants. As the FBI revised the definition of rape in 2013, the 2023 rate is a slight decrease from 1990, when there were 41.2 forcible rapes per 100,000 inhabitants. What is forcible rape? According to the FBI, forcible rape is defined as “sexual penetration, no matter how slight, with a body part or object without the consent of the victim.” This definition changed in 2013 from the previous definition, which specified “carnal knowledge of a female victim forcibly and against her will.” Attempted rape was included in the previous definition, but statutory rape and other sexual offenses were excluded. The old definition was seen as problematic, as people of any gender can be raped. Since the revision of the definition of rape, reported rapes increased, although it is not clear if this is due to the revised definition or if the rate itself has increased. Rape in the United States While rape and sexual assault have been extensively talked about in the U.S. in recent years, especially since the start of the #metoo movement, there is still a large number of sexual offences committed each year. Sadly, the majority of sex offences in the U.S. are carried out against individuals age 20 and under. Astoundingly, the Anchorage, Alaska metropolitan area had the highest rape rate in the United States in 2023, followed by St Joseph in Missouri and Kansas. Since rape and sexual assault continue to be underreported in the United States, it is important to find a solution to this devastating problem.

In 2023, 76.37 percent of homicides were committed by firearm in the United States, compared to 85.7 percent in 2021. This figure has been increasing since 2014, when 63.6 percent of homicides were committed by firearm. Firearms in the United States Firearms in the United States have become a large part of American culture. The Second Amendment of the Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment has been cited as a reason why gun control laws should not become stricter. However, many Americans are in favor of stricter gun control laws due to the increase of shootings in the country. Handguns were the most frequently used weapon used on murder victims in 2020, and overall, the United States was the country with the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms. Who owns firearms? Firearms are more popular in certain parts of the United States than others. Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in 2021, with Florida, Virginia, California, and Pennsylvania rounding out the top five. Firearm laws vary from state to state, which means it is easier to obtain a firearm in some states than in others. Gun owners in the United States are typically white, and men are more likely to personally own a gun than women.

Forensics Products and Services Market Outlook

The global forensics products and services market size was valued at approximately USD 20 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% during the forecast period. This robust growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for advanced forensic technologies and services driven by rising crime rates, advancements in forensic methodologies, and the growing awareness of the importance of forensics in the justice system.

One of the primary growth factors fueling the forensics products and services market is the continuous advancement in forensic technology. Innovations in DNA testing, digital forensics, and chemical analysis have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of forensic investigations. These advancements not only help in solving complex criminal cases but also ensure that justice is served, which boosts the adoption of forensic products and services globally. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in forensic tools is revolutionizing the field by enabling faster data analysis and improving predictive capabilities.

The increasing prevalence of cybercrime is another critical factor contributing to the growth of the forensics market. With the proliferation of digital devices and the internet, cybercrime has become a significant threat to individuals, corporations, and governments. Digital forensics, a key segment of the forensics market, plays a crucial role in investigating cybercrimes, including data breaches, hacking, and online fraud. The demand for digital forensic services is expected to rise exponentially as organizations seek to protect their digital assets and ensure data security.

Moreover, the growing awareness and implementation of forensic services in various sectors such as healthcare, banking and financial services, and information technology are driving market growth. For instance, in the healthcare sector, forensic techniques are used for various purposes, including medical examinations, toxicology, and pathology. In the banking sector, forensic accounting helps in identifying financial frauds and discrepancies. The widespread application of forensic services across different industries underscores the importance and relevance of forensic science in contemporary society.

The role of DNA Analysis in the Government Sector is becoming increasingly pivotal as governments worldwide seek to enhance their forensic capabilities. DNA analysis provides a powerful tool for law enforcement agencies to accurately identify suspects and solve crimes. In the government sector, DNA databases are being expanded to include more genetic profiles, which aids in the swift resolution of criminal cases. This expansion not only improves the efficiency of criminal investigations but also helps in exonerating individuals who have been wrongfully accused. The integration of DNA analysis into government forensic strategies underscores the commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to uphold justice and public safety.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest share of the forensics products and services market, primarily due to the presence of advanced forensic laboratories, high crime rates, and stringent regulatory standards. The United States, in particular, is a significant contributor to the market, with substantial investments in forensic research and development. Europe follows closely, with countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France leading in forensic advancements. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing government initiatives to strengthen forensic infrastructure and the rising prevalence of crimes in countries such as India and China.

Product Type Analysis

The forensics market can be segmented by product type into digital forensics, DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, chemical analysis, and others. Digital forensics, a rapidly growing segment, involves the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crime. The increasing complexity of cybercrimes and the need for sophisticated tools to combat these crimes has led to significant advancements in digital forensics. Companies are investing heavily in developing software and hardware solutions that can effectively analyze and interpret

In 2023, it took three days on average for the occurrence to the discovery of cyber incidents in the companies in the United States. In most cases, companies reacted quickly, by taking the cyber attack under control. Further on, it took the organizations 33 days on average to complete the forensic investigation of the attacks. The longest the companies needed, was the time to notify about the cyber incident, which took 60 days on average.

Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Forensic Equipment and Supplies market size reached USD 9.4 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust growth across diverse forensic science domains. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2033, with the total market value forecasted to reach USD 17.5 billion by 2033. The primary growth factor driving this upward trajectory is the rapid advancement in forensic technologies, coupled with the rising incidence of criminal activities and the increasing demand for accurate, efficient, and rapid crime-solving solutions worldwide.

The growth of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies market is significantly influenced by technological innovations in DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, and digital forensics. Modern forensic tools now offer heightened precision, automation, and integration with data analytics, enabling law enforcement and forensic laboratories to resolve complex cases more efficiently. The proliferation of cybercrimes and the need for digital evidence collection have further spurred the adoption of sophisticated forensic equipment. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in forensic analysis is enhancing the accuracy and reliability of results, thereby boosting market demand. These technological enhancements are not only streamlining evidence collection and analysis but are also reducing turnaround time, making forensic investigations more effective.

Another major growth driver is the increased investment by governments and private organizations in forensic infrastructure and capacity building. Many countries are prioritizing the modernization of their criminal justice systems, which involves upgrading forensic laboratories and equipping law enforcement agencies with state-of-the-art forensic kits and supplies. This is particularly evident in regions with rising crime rates and heightened public awareness regarding the importance of forensic evidence in the judicial process. Furthermore, international collaborations and funding from global agencies are facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge forensic technologies to developing nations, thereby widening the market base for forensic equipment and supplies manufacturers.

The expanding application of forensic equipment beyond traditional law enforcement is also fueling market growth. Forensic tools are increasingly being utilized in sectors such as insurance, corporate investigations, environmental monitoring, and disaster victim identification. The growing emphasis on workplace safety, fraud detection, and compliance with regulatory standards is prompting organizations to invest in forensic solutions. Additionally, the surge in academic and research activities in forensic science is generating demand for advanced equipment and supplies in educational and research institutions. This broadening of end-user segments is expected to sustain the momentum of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies market in the coming years.

Forensic Toxicology plays a crucial role in the modern landscape of forensic science, providing critical insights into the presence and impact of drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological specimens. This discipline is essential for determining cause of death in autopsies, understanding drug interactions, and aiding in criminal investigations. As the complexity of substances and their effects on the human body continue to evolve, forensic toxicology has become an indispensable tool for law enforcement and forensic laboratories. The integration of advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation in toxicology is enhancing the accuracy and speed of toxicological analyses, thereby supporting the broader forensic equipment and supplies market. With the increasing prevalence of substance abuse and the need for precise toxicological assessments, the demand for specialized toxicology analyzers and testing kits is on the rise, further driving market growth.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the global market, accounting for the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by strong government support, advanced forensic infrastructure, and high crime rates in the United States. Europe follows closely, with significant investments in forensic research and innovation. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the

The gunshot detection technology market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $0.89 billion in 2025, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.91% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing urbanization and associated crime rates necessitate advanced crime prevention and response systems, making gunshot detection a vital tool for law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, advancements in sensor technology, including improvements in acoustic sensors' accuracy and range, coupled with the development of sophisticated analytics and AI-powered algorithms for real-time detection and location pinpointing, are significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of these systems. The integration of gunshot detection systems with existing surveillance networks and emergency response platforms further amplifies their value, creating a more interconnected and efficient public safety infrastructure. The market is segmented by type (indoor, outdoor), application (aerospace & defense, law enforcement), and installation (fixed, vehicle). The robust growth in North America, particularly the United States, is fueled by high adoption rates by law enforcement agencies and continued investment in homeland security. The Asia-Pacific region is also poised for significant growth, driven by increasing urbanization and rising concerns about public safety in rapidly developing economies. However, factors such as the high initial investment costs associated with deploying these systems and potential privacy concerns related to data collection and surveillance represent restraints to market growth. Despite these challenges, the ongoing technological advancements and growing demand for enhanced public safety are expected to drive market expansion over the forecast period. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging technology companies. Key players such as ACOEM AB, SoundThinking Inc (ShotSpotter), RTX Corporation, Thales, and QinetiQ Limited are actively investing in research and development, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to maintain their market position. The market is witnessing an influx of new entrants, driven by the increasing demand for more accurate, cost-effective, and easily integrable gunshot detection solutions. These emerging companies are focusing on providing specialized solutions tailored to specific applications and geographical requirements, further driving competition and innovation within the industry. The continuous refinement of algorithms to improve accuracy, reduce false positives, and enhance integration capabilities will shape future market trends, while regulations concerning data privacy and surveillance are likely to influence market adoption rates in various regions. Recent developments include: March 2024: Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) is gearing up to unveil its state-of-the-art "Active Shooter Intelligence" at ISC West in Las Vegas. To promote safer environments and combat gun violence, SDS joined forces with Alarm.com. Their joint mission is to democratize advanced gunshot detection technology, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes. In a recent partnership milestone, SDS's Indoor Gunshot Detection sensors seamlessly integrated with Alarm.com's commercial platform. This integration enhanced the sensors' efficacy and introduced a holistic cloud-based solution. This solution encompasses gunshot detection, video surveillance, access control, real-time alerts, and remote monitoring., January 2023: Shooter Detection Systems, based in Massachusetts, collaborated with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce the SDS Outdoor, a portable gunshot detection system. According to the department, the system provides immediate critical data on outdoor shooting incidents, equipping first responders with timely and accurate information., March 2022: Syracuse University activated an advanced gunshot detection system on its north wall. This system identifies and locates gunfire and promptly alerts the Syracuse Police Department, enhancing response times. The system's USD 171,000 expansion was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds.. Notable trends are: The Law Enforcement Segment Is Anticipated to Record the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period.

In 2023, 13,529 recorded murders in the United States were committed by firearm. This is a decrease from the previous year, when 12,244 homicides were committed with a firearm in the country. However, figures may not accurately reflect the total number of homicides, as not all law enforcement agencies in the U.S. submitted homicide data.

The United States had, by far, the highest homicide rate of the G7 countries between 2000 and 2023. In 2023, it reached 5.76 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease from 6.78 in 2021. By comparison, Canada, the G7 nation with the second-highest homicide rate, had 1.98 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. Out of each G7 nation, Japan had the lowest rate with 0.23 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.