Unfounded Rate
What Does "Unfounded" Mean in Canadian Crime Statistics?
What Does Unfounded Mean?
An "unfounded" crime report means that after investigation, police determined that the reported offence did not occur and was not attempted. This is NOT the same as saying the report was false — it means police could not establish that a criminal offence took place based on available evidence.
The national unfounded rate varies by crime type, with sexual assault historically having the highest unfounded rate (though this has decreased significantly after reforms in 2017).
Why Are Reports Classified as Unfounded?
Reports may be classified as unfounded when:
- Investigation reveals no crime occurred (e.g., what appeared to be a break-in was a landlord entering)
- Insufficient evidence to confirm a crime took place
- The report describes something that is not actually a criminal offence
- Investigation reveals the incident was accidental, not criminal
Important: Unfounded does not mean the complainant lied. Many unfounded reports involve genuine misunderstandings or situations where the legal threshold for a criminal offence was not met.
The 2017 Reforms
Following a Globe and Mail investigation revealing high unfounded rates for sexual assault across Canada, many police services reformed their classification practices. The national unfounded rate for sexual assault dropped from ~20% to ~14% between 2016 and 2020.
Statistics Canada also began publishing unfounded data separately, increasing transparency in how police classify reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unfounded mean the person lied?
No. Unfounded means police could not establish that a criminal offence occurred. This is different from a false report. Many unfounded cases involve genuine misunderstandings or situations that don't meet the legal definition of a crime.
What is the national unfounded rate?
Canada's overall unfounded rate is approximately 10-12% of all reported crimes. The rate varies significantly by crime type and police jurisdiction.
Are unfounded cases included in crime statistics?
No. Since 2017, Statistics Canada excludes unfounded cases from official crime counts. Only founded incidents are included in crime rate and CSI calculations.
Can an unfounded decision be appealed?
Complainants can request a review of an unfounded classification. Some police services have independent review processes. In cases of sexual assault, victim advocacy organizations can assist with reviews.
Why does the unfounded rate vary between police services?
Different police services may apply classification criteria differently. Training, resources, and local policies all affect how reports are investigated and classified.
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