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 2023, police in Germany solved 92.3 percent of murder cases. The clearance rate for murder cases during the specified time period remained high.

This statistic shows the total number of solved and unsolved homicides in Canada for 2012 and 2014. In 2014, there were 131 unsolved homicides and 385 solved homicides reported in Canada.

The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Investigation Unit investigates all homicides occurring within Boston Police jurisdiction. According to FBI standards, the annual homicide clearance rate is calculated using the total number of new homicides in a calendar year, and the total number of homicides that are cleared that calendar year – regardless of the year the homicide occurred within. The reason for this is that homicide investigations can span multiple calendar years. In addition, incidents that happened in previous years can be ruled a homicide years later and added to the current year’s total.

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.

The share of murder cases being solved in Sweden varied between 16 and 26 percent over the last 10 years. The highest clearance rate was registered in 2016. In 2022, 17 percent of the registered murder cases were solved. Over the same period, the total number of homicides increased.

For the year ending March 2023, 5.7 percent of crime offences resulted in a charge or summons in England and Wales. While this was an improvement when compared with the previous four quarters, it was far lower than in the first quarter of 2015, when 15.5 percent of crimes were solved.

This data is a slice of the City of Denver's crime spreadsheet showing reported homicides in Denver, Colorado. Updated weekly.

Reported crimes in Denver published by the City of Denver and the Denver Police Department.

The police in Japan recorded *** murder cases in 2024, a slight ******** from the previous year. A regional breakdown of murder cases showed that the majority of cases in 2024 occurred in Japan's ***** region.

In the article Where Killings Go Unsolved, The Washington Post highlights 52,000 homicides from the past decade. This map provides companion layers that supplement the Washington Post's article. The following maps highlight three major components of the homicides:1. Arrests2. Victim's Sex3. Victim's RaceThe Washington Post collected data on more than 52,000 criminal homicides over the past decade in 50 of the largest American cities. The data included the location of the killing, whether an arrest was made and, in most cases, basic demographic information about each victim. Reporters received data in many formats, including paper, and worked for months to clean and standardize it, comparing homicide counts and aggregate closure rates with FBI data to ensure the records were as accurate as possible. In some cases, departments provided only partial information about the homicides, so reporters consulted public records, including death certificates, court records and medical examiner reports, to fill in the gaps. The data is more specific than the federal homicide data gathered annually by the FBI from police agencies nationwide. The Post mapped each homicide, identifying arrest rates by geography in each city, sharing the analysis with the local police department prior to publication.Click here to download the data.

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 2024, a total of ****** homicides were registered in Mexico, over 1.1** murder victims more than the death toll reported a year earlier. The number of homicides in Mexico, including intentional homicides and cases of manslaughter, grew between 2015 and 2018, before plateauing around ****** victims per year. Kidnapping in Mexico In Mexico, even with a ** percent reduction in the kidnapping rate, which amounted to *** reported cases in 2023, the region continues to witness the distressing reality of **** individuals being subjected to violent abduction daily. These heinous acts are chiefly perpetrated in various settings, including workplaces, residences, and public areas. Furthermore, the state with the highest recorded kidnapping incidence is Mexico State, marking a significant disparity in numbers. This dire situation positions the country as the third highest in terms of kidnapping occurrences throughout Latin America. The increasing cases of human trafficking Regarded as a grievous form of exploitation encompassing coerced labor or sexual servitude, the prevalence of human trafficking in the nation exhibits a disquieting escalation. This trend coincides with a decline in cases involving children, shifting the focus towards teens and adolescents, particularly females, who are now the primary target demographic. Perpetrators manipulate victims through deceitful practices and fraudulent schemes, effectively entrapping them in a web of organized criminal activities that deprive them of their freedom.

This statistic shows the rate of homicides in Canada in 2022, by Aboriginal identity and province or territory. In 2022, 4.15 Aboriginal people per 100,000 Aboriginal people were the victims of homicide in Quebec.

Forensic Swab Market Outlook

The forensic swab market size is projected to witness significant growth, with a market valuation of approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and a forecasted expansion reaching USD 2.4 billion by 2032, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8%. This robust growth trajectory can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in forensic science technologies, increasing crime rates, and the consequent demand for effective crime scene investigation tools. The rising global awareness about the importance of DNA analysis in criminal investigations and the subsequent need for high-quality forensic swabs are also driving the market forward. Moreover, the integration of technological innovations in forensic tools has enhanced the precision and reliability of evidence collection, further fueling market expansion.

One of the primary growth factors for the forensic swab market is the increasing reliance on DNA testing for criminal investigations and legal procedures. DNA analysis has become a fundamental aspect of forensic science, aiding in the identification of suspects and victims and the reconstruction of crime scenes. Forensic swabs play a crucial role in collecting biological samples, such as blood, saliva, and epithelial cells, from crime scenes and individuals. With the growing acceptance of DNA evidence in legal systems worldwide, there is a heightened demand for forensic swabs that ensure the integrity and quality of collected samples. Furthermore, the expansion of forensic databases and the need for efficient sample collection methods are contributing to the market's growth.

The technological advancements in forensic science have significantly impacted the forensic swab market. Innovations in swab materials and designs have improved the efficiency of sample collection and preservation, reducing the risk of contamination and degradation. The development of swabs with enhanced absorption capabilities and compatibility with various analytical techniques has revolutionized evidence collection processes. Additionally, the adoption of automated systems for swab processing and analysis has increased the speed and accuracy of forensic investigations. These technological breakthroughs are not only driving the demand for advanced forensic swabs but also enabling law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories to handle a higher volume of cases, thereby boosting market growth.

The rising crime rates and the increasing complexity of criminal activities are compelling law enforcement agencies to invest in advanced forensic tools, including forensic swabs. As crimes become more sophisticated, there is a growing need for efficient and reliable evidence collection methods to ensure successful investigations and prosecutions. Forensic swabs, with their ability to collect trace amounts of biological material, are indispensable in modern forensic science. The growing emphasis on solving cold cases and the rising instances of unsolved crimes are further fueling the demand for forensic swabs. Moreover, government initiatives aimed at enhancing forensic infrastructure and capabilities are expected to drive the market in the coming years.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the forensic swab market, driven by the well-established forensic science infrastructure and the high adoption rate of advanced forensic technologies in the region. The presence of major market players and ongoing research and development activities contribute to North America's dominance. Europe also represents a substantial market share, supported by stringent regulations regarding crime investigation procedures and the increasing focus on improving forensic capabilities. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness rapid growth, owing to the rising awareness about forensic technologies, increasing crime rates, and government initiatives to strengthen forensic infrastructure. Additionally, emerging economies in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually recognizing the importance of forensic science in crime investigations, which is expected to create opportunities for market expansion.

Product Type Analysis

The forensic swab market is segmented into various product types, including cotton swabs, foam swabs, flocked swabs, and others. Cotton swabs have traditionally been the most commonly used type in forensic investigations due to their affordability, ease of use, and availability. They are widely used for collecting samples from crime scenes and individuals, especially in environments where resources are limited. However, cotton swabs have limitations,

The sample for the Cold Case Survey Data (n = 1,051) was drawn from a Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) database of chiefs of police and sheriffs. The database was comprised of 15,884 chiefs of police from all police departments in the United States, including Native American tribal police departments. A stratified sample of 5,000 agencies was drawn from the database. The resulting sample of 5,000 included Native American tribal police departments (n = 44) and all other departments with more than 100 full-time sworn officers (n = 997). The balance of the sample (n = 3,959) was comprised of police departments in the following size categories: 1,886 from departments with zero to 25 full-time sworn officers; 1,000 from departments with 26 to 50 full-time sworn officers; 707 from departments with 51 to 75 full-time sworn officers; and 366 from departments with 76 to 99 full-time sworn officers. The results from the national survey were used to select sites for an analysis of case files. To ensure that researchers could obtain a large number of cases for analysis, only sites that reported conducting in excess of 50 cold-case investigations per year were considered. There were a dozen agencies that reported conducting more than 50 cold-case investigations per year; from these researchers selected the District of Columbia, Baltimore, and Dallas for analysis of cold-case homicide investigations (Cold Case Homicide Data) based on the additional considerations of travel distance, relationships with departments and feasibility. None of the three homicide case sites had computer files that were suitable for sampling cases. Further, cases in which a cold-case investigation had been conducted were mixed in with other homicide files, with no special notations on the case folder that indicated that a cold-case investigation had been undertaken. Therefore, at all three sites, researchers had to rely on cold-case investigators to create the sample. In all, 189 homicide cases were sampled in the District of Columbia, 113 in Dallas, and 127 in Baltimore. In each of the homicide sites, roughly half of the cases had been solved and half remained unsolved. Denver was selected for the analysis of sexual assault cold-cases (Cold Case Sexual Assault Data) because it had received a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to conduct testing of DNA material in sexual-assault cold cases. The Denver sample consisted of cases in which a DNA match had been made. To assess the current practices in cold-case investigations, this study utilized a national online survey of law enforcement agencies (Cold Case Survey Data, n = 1,051) to document the range of ways in which cold-case work is conducted and assess how this organization affects cold-case clearance rates. In November 2008, the chiefs of police in the sample were sent a letter explaining the purpose of the survey and inviting them to participate. Potential respondents were directed to the web-based survey instrument through a provided web address. Three separate mails were made. The first mailing went to all 5,000 potential respondents. Two weeks later, letters were mailed to the 4,919 respondents who had not yet completed the survey. Two weeks after the second letter was sent, letters were mailed to the 4,570 respondents who had not yet completed the survey. The survey was taken down from the web in February 2009.To determine the types of cold cases that were most likely to be solved, researchers used the results from the national survey to identify four jurisdictions that conduct large numbers of cold-case investigations. Researchers chose three jurisdictions that conducted a large number of cold-case homicide investigations: the District of Columbia, Baltimore, Maryland, and Dallas, Texas (Cold Case Homicide Data, n = 429). To these three sites, researchers added Denver, Colorado, (Cold Case Sexual Assault Data, n = 105) because it had received a Department of Justice grant to conduct testing of DNA material in sexual assault cold cases. At all four sites, cold cases were examined for seven categories of data including victim's characteristics, crime context, motivation, human capital, physical evidence, basis for cold-case investigations and cold-case actions. These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they there received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except of the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompany readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collections and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.To assess the current practices in cold-case investigations, this study utilized a national online survey of law enforcement agencies (Cold Case Survey Data, n = 1,051) to document the range of ways in which cold-case work is conducted and assess how this organization affects cold-case clearance rates. In Novembe...

In 2023, the FBI reported that there were 13,789 victims of murder who identified as male, compared to 3,849 victims of murder who identified as female in the United States. A further 75 murder victims were of an unknown gender in that year.

Attitude of the Austrian population to law and the judiciary. Moral orientation and contacts with persons with deviant behavior.

Topics: Evaluation of the various laws and punishment for selected offenses; assessment of the extent of commiting crimes by the male population in percent and judgement on the development of crime; expected development of unsolved crimes; readiness to intervene and report in various situations; knowledge of facts of the case in procedural law, criminal law, civil law and industrial law; assumed equality before the judiciary; contact with persons with deviant behavior such as e.g. swindlers, users of intoxicants, homosexuals, drinkers, left-wing radicals, repeat criminals and suicide candidates; attitude to use of intoxicants, religion, divorce, abortion, sexual morals, homosexuality, pornography, the death penalty, nationalization of industry, obedience, rearmament and punishment of criminals (pair comparison); general contentment with life; self-classification of social class and personal political influence; size of residence and type of residence; religiousness; party preference; possession of drivers license; media usage.

Scales: wage performance relationship; work and success orientation; general moral orientations, including also liberalism and dogmatism; reform of the penal system.

The following questions were posed to persons who have been the victim of a crime: type of offense and amount of loss; conviction of culprit and demand for sanctions.

Demography: marital status; number of children in household; school education; vocational training; occupation; income; size of household; composition of household; head of household; social origins; state; regional origins; possession of durable economic goods.

Interviewer rating: city size.

In 2024, Puerto Rico recorded around 15.3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. The homicide rate registered an increase of one point compared to the previous year. In 2019, the number of individuals killed per 100,000 population peaked at 20.1. At least 450 people are murdered every year in Puerto Rico.