When is a crime considered unfounded?

A crime is considered unfounded when law enforcement, after conducting an investigation, determines that the report is false or baseless. This authority rests with law enforcement for several reasons.

First, it emphasizes the critical role that trained professionals play in assessing the validity of reported crimes. The investigation process involves a thorough analysis of all available evidence, witness statements, and other relevant factors, ensuring that conclusions drawn are based on investigative findings rather than assumptions or personal opinions.

Additionally, the standard for unfounding a crime requires a careful evaluation that goes beyond initial impressions or the victim's later statements. This signifies the importance of a systematic investigative approach in criminal justice, which is essential to distinguishing between true cases and those that lack merit.

This also aligns with the Clery Act’s definition, which necessitates a clear, authoritative determination from law enforcement to officially label a report as unfounded.