Police Solvability Factors

Solvability factors are defined as factors considered in determining whether or not a case should be assigned for a follow-up investigation (Dempsey & Forst, 2016, p. 304). Another asset of associated with MCI is it provides the use of a managerial system that assigns grades according to solvability, which permits detectives to focus on cases that possess a chance of being solved (Dempsey & Forst, 2016). Although, case assignment procedures may vary between police departments, some general solvability factors include: is there a witness, is a suspect named or known, can a suspect be identified, will the complainant cooperate in the investigation (Dempsey & Forst, 2016, p. 304)? The Rochester Police Department’s solvability factors include: witnesses to the crime, knowledge of the suspect’s name, knowledge of where the suspect can be located, description of suspect, identification of suspect, property

Many police departments have researched the effectiveness of using solvability factor checklists as screening process to ensure detectives devote their time to important cases that possess a realistic chance of being solved (Dempsey & Forst, 2016). Due to effectiveness of these checklists and point scoring many police departments have adapted their crime reports to emphasize solvability factors (Dempsey & Forst, 2016). I agree with using solvability factors to determine case assignment and manage investigative caseloads, especially when it pertains to property crimes. Solvability factors cannot be used as an elimination process in all cases due to officers’ concern, for political reasons, public safety, and some cases are so important or serious they will require a follow-up investigation despite an improbable chance of solvability (Dempsey & Forst,