Why This Measure Matters​

Clearance rates measure how often law enforcement is able to identify and hold individuals accountable for criminal activity. They are an important indicator of the effectiveness of investigations and the overall health of the criminal justice system.

Higher clearance rates help prevent future crime by interrupting repeat offenders and sending a clear message that criminal behavior has consequences. When crimes are solved, victims receive answers, cases move forward in the justice system, and communities are safer as offenders are removed from situations where they can cause further harm.

Clearance rates also reflect the quality and capacity of investigative work. They provide insight into staffing levels, training, access to forensic and analytical resources, and collaboration with prosecutors and partner agencies. Declining clearance rates may signal increasing case complexity, workload pressures, or resource constraints that affect investigative outcomes.

Just as importantly, clearance rates influence public trust. When residents see that crimes are taken seriously and followed through to resolution, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system increases. Transparency in reporting clearance rates reinforces accountability and demonstrates a commitment to justice for victims and communities alike.

What’s the Story?​

Clearance rate data shows how effectively the criminal justice system moves cases from report to accountability, and Skagit County’s data demonstrates clear strengths—particularly in serious and violent crime—while also highlighting where system capacity is strained.

For the most serious offenses, Skagit County performs exceptionally well. In 2024, aggravated assaults, homicides, and kidnappings were cleared at or near 100 percent. These outcomes reflect strong investigative work, effective coordination with prosecutors, and a clear priority on crimes that pose the greatest risk to life and safety. Compared to statewide averages, Skagit County’s clearance rates for violent crime are notably higher, reinforcing public confidence that serious offenses are thoroughly investigated and offenders are held accountable.

At the same time, clearance rates for high-volume property crimes—such as burglary, theft, vehicle prowls, and malicious mischief—are significantly lower, a trend that mirrors statewide patterns. These offenses generate large numbers of reports, often involve limited evidence, and compete for investigative resources alongside violent crime. The data shows that while these crimes are actively investigated, the volume and complexity of cases place pressure on staffing and investigative capacity.

Importantly, this is not a story of inaction—it is a story of prioritization and workload. Skagit County’s ability to maintain high clearance rates for violent crime indicates that when resources are available, investigations are effective. Lower clearance rates in property crimes point to the need for staffing, deployment adjustments, analytical support, and technology enhancements to better address repeat offenders and organized property crime trends.

From a public trust perspective, reporting this data demonstrates transparency and accountability. It allows the County to clearly explain where the system is working well, where improvements are needed, and how future investments in staffing, training, and investigative resources can improve outcomes. Clearance rates, taken together, tell a clear story: Skagit County is effective where it matters most, and data is guiding efforts to strengthen investigations across all crime types to improve safety and accountability countywide.

Data will be reported quarterly or annually depending on the source being used.   FBI data is reported annually.

Target

Clearance rates at or near 100% for violent serious crimes.  Clearance rates at or near Washington State averages for the crime type/category.   Data for this performance metric is collected from the Sheriff's Office records management system and FBI data on uniform crime reporting via the National Incident-Based Reporting System.

Reporting Frequency​

Quarterly