Chicago police report murders decline 20 percent

Officials of the Chicago Police Department say there has been a 20 percent decline in homicides in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

Chicago police on Friday announced there were 108 homicides from January to April 30. Officials said violent crime declined 2.8 percent, and property crime dropped almost 10 percent.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis says specialized units focused on gangs, guns and drugs, and working with school officials for the decline.

Weis said as the summer approaches, the department will look at tactics used to make the streets safer and try to get the public involved in the efforts.