Clinton police solve more cases as crime falls

The percentage of crimes solved by Clinton Police Department officers and detectives was up in 2013, while the total number of crimes was down, authorities said.

“The numbers are moving in the right direction…and that’s good news for everyone in Clinton,” CPD Chief Rick Scarbrough said.

CPD cleared nearly half of the reported crimes in 2013, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime statistics, a press release said. The Clinton Police Department’s percentage of crimes cleared is up about 5 percent from 2012 numbers and is higher than most other area agencies.

“That means our officers are solving more cases,” the press release said. A total of 888 substantial offenses were reported to the Clinton Police Department in 2013. That number is down from 1,116 reported in 2012. 

Looking at the past 10 years (since 2003), the clearance rate has improved by 15.23 percent, the press release said. Total reported crime is down by 36 percent.

“The most improved number is crime against persons, down by 44 percent,” Scarbrough said. “Although we see some increase in shoplifting-type crimes, over all, property crime is down.”

Reports indicate that crimes against society (drugs, gambling, weapons) were also down from 2003 by 32 percent, the press release said.