(Austin, TX) – New research from Right On Crime, a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, offers robust data analysis on the dangerous decline in crime clearance rates across Texas. More than half of the state’s violent crimes go unsolved which undermines victims, public trust, and community safety.
As of late 2024, Texas law enforcement cleared only 39.7% of violent crimes, a slight decrease from 41.1% the previous year. While Texas’ clearance rates remain slightly above the national average, this steady decline is due to a combination of under-resourced law enforcement, evolving technologies, and investigative demands with insufficient training and protocols. The research spotlights major Texas cities, and raw data for every Texas community can be found here.
“This research underscores a crucial reality: the strongest deterrent to criminals is the certainty of being caught,” said former U.S. Attorney and Right On Crime Executive Director Brett Tolman. “Texas and the entire nation must take decisive action to reverse this alarming trend, and fortunately, many communities offer proven models for success.”
“In Texas, many violent crimes, such as sex offenses (15.4% solved) and homicides (54.4% solved), go largely unaddressed, leaving criminals unaccountable and victims without closure,” said research co-author Nikki Pressley, Right On Crime’s Chief of Staff and Texas Director. “There’s no doubt that these declining clearance rates discourage crime reporting, embolden offenders, and deepen public mistrust in law enforcement.”
Pressley and co-author, Ross Jackson, write about a convergence of unaddressed problems facing law enforcement in Texas and across the nation, but found no fault with any one entity or issue. Offering solutions and showcasing proven models of success from other states, the research also points to a recent survey from the Texas Attorney General’s office which revealed that 74% of departments lack sufficient investigators and 56% need more crime analysts.
Reallocating law enforcement resources to prioritize violent crime resolutions is supported by 85% of all Texans, according to a recent Right On Crime survey. The VICTIM Act, a proposed federal bill, also offers a model for state-level initiatives that would provide critical resources and victim support.
Texas lawmakers have an opportunity to reverse these trends in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session by investing in justice, innovating law enforcement practices, and collaborating across all levels of government. To reverse the decline in crime clearance rates, we must work together to restore public trust and demand justice for every Texan.
Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation focused on criminal justice reform. The campaign advocates for policies that are just, effective, and fiscally responsible, with the aim of creating fewer victims, less crime, and safer communities. For more information or to request an interview, contact Tonya Kerr ([email protected]).