In FBI crime reporting, what does clearance mean?

• A. A case is closed with arrest or other approved action as a successful resolution
• B. A case is opened for further investigation
• C. A case is dismissed due to lack of evidence
• D. A case is transferred to another agency

Answer: (A)

Clearance in FBI crime reporting means the case is considered solved on the record. It happens when at least one person is arrested, charged, and turned over to the courts for prosecution, or in exceptional cases when the offender is identified and there is enough evidence to support an arrest but circumstances prevent the arrest or prosecution. That’s why describing a case as closed with arrest or other approved action as a successful resolution best captures what clearance means, since it covers both standard clearance and exceptional clearance. Cases that remain open, are dismissed due to lack of evidence, or are merely transferred to another agency do not represent clearance.