Recognizing Excellence in Law Enforcement
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, observed on January 9, is an opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the men and women who serve our communities every day. At Safe Communities Coalition, we believe it’s important not only to say thank you, but also to highlight the meaningful impact local law enforcement has on community safety.
What Is a Crime Clearance Rate?
A crime clearance rate represents the percentage of reported crimes that are solved. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE), a case is considered “cleared” when:
An arrest is made, or
The offender is identified, but an arrest cannot be made due to circumstances beyond law enforcement control, such as the death of the offender.
Clearance rates are one of several tools used to understand investigative effectiveness and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
How Our Local Agencies Compare
Data from the Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr.cjis.gov) shows that over the past five years, local law enforcement in Fort Dodge has consistently achieved closure rates above the national average across major crime categories, including:
Homicide
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Rape
Larceny
Burglary
These outcomes reflect countless hours of investigative work, collaboration with community members, and a commitment to seeing cases through to resolution.
Why This Matters
High clearance rates are more than just statistics. They represent:
Justice for victims
Accountability for offenders
Increased community trust
Safer neighborhoods for families
When crimes are solved, it sends a powerful message that violence and theft are taken seriously—and that law enforcement and the community are working together to prevent harm.
Our Commitment as a Coalition
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to educating the public, improving safety awareness, and encouraging positive, productive engagement between law enforcement and the community. By sharing data, promoting transparency, and celebrating success, we aim to strengthen relationships that make our community safer and stronger.
We are proud to recognize the hard work of our local law enforcement professionals and thank them for their continued service to Fort Dodge and Webster County.
