(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
As 2023 draws to a close, Chicago has seen double-digit percentage declines in the number of homicides and shootings recorded across the city compared to the previous year.
New data from the Chicago Police Department on Tuesday shows that through the end of November, the number of homicides has dropped by 11% while shootings dropped nearly 13% compared to the same time in 2022.
The total number of homicides (575), shootings (2,298) and shooting victims (2,726) are also at their lowest levels through this point in any year since 2019. But that homicide total through 11 months is also higher than the annual total for 13 of the past 20 years in Chicago.
According to the CPD, officers have recovered more than 11,100 firearms this year, including 900 in November alone. Of those firearms, 1,163 were assault weapons, police said, which marks a 17% increase year to date.
Violent crime on the CTA is down 3% through the end of November compared to the same time last year, while overall transit crime is down 6%, according to police.
The number of carjackings this year (1,186) is also down 22% year to date, while police have made a 21% increase in the number of motor vehicle-related arrests.
According to the CPD, the department has also hired 662 officer recruits since January.
“To see young people from across Chicago step up and join our efforts to make every neighborhood safer fills me with pride,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a statement. “This city is our home and I know these officers will protect our home with integrity and dedication.”
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
