Tragic Chattanooga killings, good police work

A recent article on the more than two dozen homicides in Chattanooga in 2011 painted a stark contrast.

The Times Free Press reported that there were 25 homicides in the city last year. Tragically, that was the highest number since the 26 that were recorded in 2001. Some of the killings were linked to domestic violence, and quite a few others were gang-related.

But while noting the all-too-high number of homicides, the article also pointed out the solid police work that is helping to clear a comparatively high percentage of those cases.

According to FBI statistics, the nationwide clearance rate for homicide cases is 64.8 percent. But in Chattanooga, the rate at which such cases were cleared in 2011 was closer to 70 percent.

Moreover, since local statistics started being kept 36 years ago, the overall rate at which homicides here have been cleared is nearly 89 percent, Chattanooga police officials said.

Of course, for those who are grieving the loss of a family member or friend to homicide, clearing the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice may not always provide very much comfort.

But apprehending and trying the killer makes it far less likely that he will strike again, and it sends a warning to others who might contemplate using deadly violence that they face a high probability of being caught.

The circumstances surrounding a particular slaying -- especially one involving domestic violence -- are often such that even the most conscientious law enforcement officers can do little to prevent it directly. But good police work, a speedy trial and firm sentencing following a homicide can reduce the chance that someone else will engage in deadly violence to begin with.

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