Chicago police report fewest homicides in 45 years

CHICAGO — Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis on Monday credited better management of information and more community involvement for a decrease in crime in the city, including the fewest number of homicides in 45 years.

Chicago had 435 murders in 2010 — 25 fewer than during 2009 and the least since 1965 when there were 395 murders, according to preliminary statistics. The homicide rate at the end of December was 5.4 percent lower than at the end of 2009, and the city saw a 4.2 percent decrease in total crime.

"These statistics are a reflection of the thousands of men and women of the department and the millions of residents across the city who we serve while working together," Weis said at a news conference at Chicago police headquarters.

Weis also said Chicago has had two straight years of consecutive month-to-month reductions in overall crime.

"Every day, we're looking at what happened the night before and we're trying to put our resources where they can best be deployed, targeting who they need to target," he said.

The superintendent also said police are seeing fewer people willing to obey the "code of silence" that keeps community members from reporting crimes to authorities.

"This code protects criminals and has gone on far too long," Weis said. "But we are starting to see a crack in this code."

But there's still much to be done to curb gang and gun violence, Weis said. And, addressing youth violence will remain a priority in 2011, he said.

"We must work together to break the cycles of violence which continue to plague too many of our communities," Weis said. "Especially where young people are concerned, positive relationships must be in place to serve not only as an example but also as a buffer between violence and danger lifestyle choices."