Clearance rates above 90%? How?

Advances in technology and techniques are important; however, leadership matters most!

Clearance rates

Homicide clearance rates are an important metric for measuring the success of law enforcement agencies in solving murders. There has always been some confusion by the public, and some media, pertaining to what actually constitutes a homicide versus a murder. For the purpose of this article, I will keep it simple. Essentially, homicide is commonly defined as the killing of a human being by another human being, whereas a murder is a killing that is considered a criminal act. For example, a justified self-defense killing, or accidental killing is not a murder, but it is a homicide. For the purposes of this article, I use ‘homicide rates’ because the term is deeply embedded into public and media jargon.

The dedicated members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Homicide Section possess a unique combination of skills, including attention to detail, critical thinking abilities, and excellent communication skills, which are essential to successfully solving complex cases. Over the course of the last decade the clearance rates of murders occurring in LVMPD’s jurisdiction often hovered between 85%-95%. Why is this the case when many agencies are struggling to obtain a 70% clearance rate?  The national average was recently reported by the FBI was approximately 62%.

Clearance rates refer to the percentage of reported homicides that are solved by making an arrest or positively identifying a suspect who has not yet apprehended. To improve homicide clearance rates, law enforcement agencies must prioritize effective investigative techniques and allocate sufficient resources toward solving these cases. Leadership by sheriffs and police chiefs is essential to ensuring success.

Some traditionally, yet basic, effective investigative techniques for improving clearance rates have included utilizing DNA evidence, conducting thorough witness interviews, and canvassing efforts. Moreover, DNA and cellular phone tracking abilities have increased an investigator’s ability to place an offender at a crime scene. The usefulness of the ‘RING’ doorbell video, and other surveillance video improvements cannot be overlooked.

As a previous Undersheriff of the LVMPD and past Chief of Detectives, I was conscious of how important it is for the entire agency to solve every homicide and provide the community with a sense of relief. There are many factors, as I describe below, that determine clearance rates. Leadership is the over-arching and by far, the most significant factor.

Peer review

Peer review is something that has traditionally been employed by the medical profession. LVMPD incorporated peer review in completing homicide and murder cases. The concept of having a detective brief details and investigative activities in an unsolved case to the entirety of the investigative unit, that would critique and make recommendations, was entirely foreign to the LVMPD. That said, once it was implemented, we began to see the more seasoned investigations share knowledge with newer investigators. This raised the overall quality of our investigations that translated into more leads and thus more cases solved. This process is driven by the leadership of the section and the organization. Effective leaders must ensure all efforts are being documented and measured.

Major case protocol

Doesn’t everyone have a response to high profile cases? Of course. Major case protocol (MCP) is not new to law enforcement as many agencies have a policy. LVMPD implemented some new factors that provided a benefit to the communication and accountability aspects of all MCP criminal investigations. This included an improved 12-hour written document (E-mail) reporting to executive staff and all areas of the agency as to what investigative tasks have been completed and what tasks are to be completed in the next 12-hour period. This occurs until the case is solved or there are no more leads to examine. Unit leadership and executive leadership are completely engaged in all of the activities.

Traditionally, murder cases have been held close by investigators. LVMPD ensured that all units, including patrol, gangs, narcotics etc. are privy to information. The entirety of the organization bears some responsibility for the case and must assist in solving it. When MCP is implemented a case briefing is held immediately, representatives and leaders from every aspect of the organization attend, contribute, and participate in a highly coordinated response. This has drastically improved the investigative abilities of every investigator and executive leader on the department.

Digital investigations

Technology is abundant but it must be leveraged quickly! Historically, crime scene work was completed and impounded for later access by investigators. LVMPD now brings out a digital evidence team to immediately collect all digital evidence from the plethora of video sources, cellular phone technology and the variety of other technologies. They work hand in hand with the CSI investigators. It took strong leadership to change our culture.

Extended canvas

A Ring doorbell is a popular device that allows homeowners to monitor their porch and front yard areas. One of the most significant impacts of the Ring doorbell is its positive effect on reducing crime rates in various neighborhoods. As Chief of Detectives, I worked a case involving the sexual assault of a child where ring doorbell video accurately identified and traced the path of the suspect’s vehicle. LVMPD investigators now canvass miles out from a crime scene as we have learned perpetrators will often stop for drinks in nearby convenience stores, or briefly halt by adjacent homes and businesses to prepare for their criminal activities.

Leadership and accountability

The tireless efforts of the LVMPD and the LVMPD Homicide Section serve as a reminder of how law enforcement professionals play an essential role in maintaining safety and order within our communities.

Who pays attention and asks questions in your organization? This is the most important improvement an organization can make! Is the Chief and all of the command and/or executive staff deeply engaged? If an organization wants to be successful in raising homicide clearance rates, an investment in effective leadership would be the first start. None of the techniques discussed will be effective if there isn’t a team of dedicated leaders that always ask questions, hold investigators accountable, and continue to push the organization to a higher level. Advances in techniques and technology are important but effective leadership matters the most.