A Comprehensive Assessment of Crime Investigation Policy in Japan, by Crime, Clearance and Criminal Rates

Abstract

The present study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of crime investigation policy by crime, clearance and criminal rates, analysed using data published by the Japanese Government. The major findings of the study show that: (1) the crime rate declined steadily between 1945 and 1975, but then increased again from 1975 to 2003, accelerating from 1985, with a sharp rise from 1995, and then began to descend again from 2003; (2) considerably better clearance rates were achieved between 1945 and 1985, but rates subsequently dropped suddenly in 1985 and continue to be sluggish; (3) the criminal rate (the number of persons in custody per 100,000 inhabitants) has shown a decline during the decades since 1945. The study concludes that: (1) there is a misdirected target-setting policy for crime investigation which aggravates the crime rate; (2) an inefficient training programmes for replacement detectives to improve their performance induces a drop in the clearance rate; and (3) the objective of minimising citizens' fear of crime depends on efficient crime investigation by experienced, expert detectives based on best practice at the crime scene, resulting in the arrest of offenders. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to several policing practices in crime investigation.