DETROIT – The city of Detroit ended 2023 with the fewest number of murders since 1966. Police Chief James White said the city is on the right path, but more needs to be done.
Background: Detroit homicide numbers hit record low: Here’s why
He said there were multiple factors -- including a nationwide trend in violent crime declining -- led to a significant drop in Detroit. Homicides for the year were down 18%.
“This group here is creating what I believe is long-term change in the safety of this city,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.
Looks like the city of Detroit is heading in the right direction with major crime being down with nearly every statistic.
“18% reduction in homicide, which is the most significant for us -- the trauma that losing a loved one brings to a family,” White said.
Dugan recalled the efforts last year around this time when the goal was to simply lower the numbers. Now it has the lowest number of homicides since 1966 and the fewest number of car jackings since they started keeping record.
“Everybody up here said we’re going to reduce the gun violence. That was our goal,” Duggan said. “And if you look at the statistics, you can see how that strategy worked.”
Homicides are down 18% from 309 to 252. Nonfatal shootings are down 15.8% from 955 to 804. More than 1,250 illegal weapons have also been taken off the streets.
White, Duggan were joined by Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington and U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison to share details Wednesday, Jan. 3, on the work that’s being done. White said it’s not a victory celebration, but more of a doubling-down on the work that needs to be done.
“We’ve had some significant success, but the work is not over,” White said. “It’s not done. We’ve got a lot more work to do.”
And for the residents in the city, there couldn’t be any better news.
“I think it’s wonderful. I’ve seen it here. I’ve seen just how well they’re protecting this area,” said one Detroiter.
“I think that’s great cause a lot of people are moving out of the city because of the crime,” said another resident. “So I feel like now that the crime levels are lower, people are starting to move back. We’re starting to get all these things happening.”
There will be 125 new police officers hired to hit the streets with more effort to continue the work.