December 31st 2024.
As the year 2024 comes to a close, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Police Superintendent Larry Snelling held a press conference on Tuesday to highlight the decrease in violent crime across Chicago. They reassured the public that the city's efforts to maintain safety will continue in the upcoming year.
Mayor Johnson credited the decrease in crime to the "whole of government approach," acknowledging that the Police Department cannot shoulder all the responsibility for the city's crime patterns. He also expressed his concern for the victims of gun violence, stating that although progress has been made, there are still too many people being harmed.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Superintendent Snelling and his team for their tireless efforts in keeping the city safe. Johnson also recognized the hard work of the rank-and-file officers who are on the front lines, working to solve crimes and deliver justice.
According to city data, there were 572 homicides recorded in 2024, making it the third consecutive year with a decrease in homicides compared to the previous year. In 2023, the city recorded 620 killings. However, Johnson mistakenly stated that 2024's totals were the lowest in a decade.
Superintendent Snelling also addressed the media, sharing that in addition to the decrease in homicides, there was also a 7% drop in total shooting incidents and a 4% decline in the number of overall shooting victims. He also proudly announced that the Chicago Police Department's bureau of detectives cleared 322 murder cases in 2024, with a clearance rate of 56%.
Snelling emphasized the importance of adapting to new ideas and strategies in order to effectively reduce violent crime. He reiterated the need to hold those responsible accountable, break down crime patterns, and work towards resolving cases in order to see a reduction in crime.
The data presented by CPD also showed a decrease in robberies and motor vehicle thefts by 17% and 25%, respectively. The department also recovered over 12,000 guns and made more than 32,000 arrests throughout the year.
Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling also highlighted the efforts of CPD in providing resources and support to crime victims and their families. Snelling expressed his gratitude towards the public for their cooperation and support, stating that their involvement has been crucial in creating a sense of trust between the department and the community.
At a community meeting in early December, Snelling outlined six objectives for the Police Department in 2025. These include ensuring officers are well-trained in constitutional and impartial policing, making progress in the long-awaited workforce allocation study, building strong community partnerships, prioritizing officer wellness, providing resources for crime victims, and ensuring that CPD officers are aware of the department's policies regarding associations with criminal or biased organizations.
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