Numbers Point to Increase in Violent Crime in Chicago

Statistics released by the Chicago Police Department show a sharp increase in violent crime in Chicago. For the first seven months of 2008, murders rose by 18% over the same period in 2007 and 9% over the same period in 2006. From January to July of 2008, 291 people were killed. From January to July of 2007, 246 people were killed and in 2006, 266 people were killed. If these trends continue for the rest of 2008, Chicago would finish with more than 500 murders for the first time since 2003. In 2003, Chicago had more than 600 murders. Another troubling statistic is the rise in the number of Aggravated Batteries with a Firearm. This number has historically been another marker of increased violence. For the first seven months of 2008, a total of 1,153 of such incidents have been reported compared with 245 for the same period the year before.

Police officials attribute the increase in murders and violence to increased gang activity in the city. Chicago Police have increased their attention against gangs by going after gang hierarchies. The result has been a decrease in the number of arrests overall. These numbers call into question the current police tactics.

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