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Chicago murders at 1963 level

The Chicago Police Department released figures indicating a 42 percent decline in the number of murders in the city in the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Police officials told the Chicago Sun-Times the 93 murders during the first quarter is the first time since 1963 the city had fewer than 100 murders during the period. There were 161 murders during the quarter last year.

Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy late Tuesday attributed the decline to a “ comprehensive policing strategy and the hard work of our officers.”

The police department has moved officers from administrative jobs and strike forces to beat patrols. The city is also offering overtime to hundreds of officers to work in the toughest neighborhoods on their days off.

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