Murders in 2008 Finish At 509

The number of murders in Chicago ended 2008 at 509. Readers of this blog know that we have been following the murder rate and the violent crime rate all year as it has been increasing. In 2007, there were a total of 443 murders. 2008's increase represents a 15% increase over 2007. The actual number of murders is among the lowest in many decades. What is of concern, is the double digit increase in this rate from 2007. There was an increase of a little under 4% in the overall crime rate. This issue calls into question the job of Police Superintendent Jody Weis. Superintendent Weis was appointed to his position a year ago. He was recruited from the FBI to change the image of the Chicago Police. He immediately replaced many veteran officers with a new group of people. There's whispers of low morale and some dissatisfaction from officers. Superintendent Weis has been questioned by Chicago Alderman and has been forced to address these rumors of morale problems in the police department. He has publicly asked that his officers be more aggressive on the street and has started some new police units to try to combat the increase in gang crime and violent crime.

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