A retired NYPD murder detective recently shared insights with Fox News Digital, indicating that major cultural and policy shifts in 2020, such as bail reform and the backlash following George Floyd’s death, significantly impacted the low murder clearance rates nationwide.
The Murder Accountability Project has reported that the percentage of murders solved—where suspects are identified, arrested, and prosecuted—dropped to a historic low of 52.3% in 2022, according to FBI data. “There was a seismic shift in law enforcement practices in 2020,” said Teresa Leto.
Leto, who has three decades of experience with the NYPD and specialized in gang crime, attributed the decline in homicide clearance rates partly to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It disrupted the court system significantly—everything slowed down,” she explained. “Many trials were postponed, and inmates were released for health concerns. Plus, a number of officers and support staff fell ill, which compromised investigations.”
The situation escalated after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis in March 2020. “There have been numerous protests,” Leto noted. “In response, many investigators and detectives were redirected to handle crowd control issues, which drew them away from dealing with serious crimes like murder and sexual assault.”
This redirection led to a sharp decline in arrests. “Most police stations faced recruitment challenges,” Leto added. “In the wake of what happened with George Floyd, fewer people wanted to join the police, affecting detective units.” Consequently, existing detectives found themselves working more overtime, which she referred to as an “overtime bubble,” ultimately prompting some of them to retire.
Leto remarked on the situation in New York City, saying it seemed like the caliber of detectives was diminishing, resulting in increased caseloads. In the aftermath of Floyd’s death, new social justice initiatives like bail reform also contributed to these issues. “They made it easier for people to get released from prison without bail,” she pointed out, adding that some crimes categorized as non-violent, such as third-degree robbery, complicate the situation further.
This leniency allows violent offenders to commit further crimes upon release. As Leto summed up, “It all compounds the challenges of clearing cases.” She emphasized that modern murder investigations require more thorough work than in the past.
With security cameras and mobile phone data now crucial for prosecution, detectives face a longer process to gather necessary evidence. “Even if you believe you know who the suspect is, you still need DNA and technology to support your case,” she remarked.
