Homicide Statistics

The Homicide Division investigates cases where a victim is killed as a result of the actions of another person. Investigators in the Homicide Division also respond when a death may not be immediately apparent to be a homicide but the death is considered suspicious.

About the Homicide Division

Homicide Detectives are available on a 24-hour basis to respond to incidents. The moments and hours immediately following a homicide are often the most important for investigators. Detectives will examine the scene of the incident, locate and interview witnesses, speak with family members or friends who may have relevant information and work concurrently with other units in an attempt to develop suspect information. The investigations are complex as Detectives work to ensure they can present a strong case to the Circuit Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Homicide Terms

UCR: Uniform Crime Reporting, a program used by the FBI to accurately measure crime across the country. It determines the criteria used in classifying crimes.

Clearance Rate: The clearance rate is calculated by dividing the total number of Homicides cases cleared in a calendar year by the total number of homicides that occurred in a calendar year. Cases listed as cleared can be for homicides that took place in the current year or previous years.