Chicago Sees an Increase in Homicides
Chicago closed out 2008 with 509 homicides, an increase of about 15% over 2007, that ultimately received the title as the Number One Murder State in the country. The city had fewer than 500 homicides each year from 2003-2007, and 2007's number, 443, was fewest in more than 40 years.
I was curious to know just what caused the increase in violence in 2008, along with an expected increase in overall crime. Crime trends to go up and down, however, various factors can contribute, which leaves the ultimate cause of the issue a debate. In my research, I've found that changes in the economy, the fracturing of gang hierarchies leading to warfare and policing have all been contributors. I have even found that poor community involvement and drugs influence crime rates. Furthermore, as a personal witness, I’ve noted a major increase in juvenile-on-juvenile crime, with more slayings of teens and young adults.
“Although,” argued a police officer I had the privilege to interview, “the leap in violence is disappointing, I don’t believe it’s indicative of a long-term trend.” He stated that Chicago’s medium number of homicide over decades is about 700 per year. He also stated that a new superintendent was appointed to improve the department’s image that had been tarnished in previous years by abuse scandals. The superintendent faced murder tallies that shot up during the spring and summer of 2008. In response, he quickly dumped veteran officers and installed a nearly-new cabinet of commanders. Furthermore, he asked that his officers be more aggressive with their jobs. Still, Chicago ended “08” with roughly 3:4 percentage overall increase in crime.
News report by Valentine, Jasmene.
