It’s that time again to examine the tally of people killed in the past calendar year. And because this was an election year, D.C.’s number is likely to receive extra scrutiny.
The quick news is that the number of people killed in D.C. will likely drop again this year, even below last year’s number which was the fewest recorded since 1966, according to press reports and projections.
For the record: The Washington Post reports 115 homicides so far this year, compared to 123 last year at this time.
Back in September, when the election was in full swing, The Economist had this to say:
“Washington’s population is at its highest level in nearly 20 years, and at current rates the city will record in 2010 its lowest number of homicides in almost 50 years.”
This afternoon the Washington Post added:
“Although the decline is part of a national trend, the drop-off in the District has become symbolic in a city once known as the nation’s murder capital… With six weeks remaining until New Years, there’s still a chance that this year’s total could creep past last year’s. But the overall pattern appears set, helping to shape Fenty’s legacy. The District’s improving homicide tally could also increase pressure on Gray (D) to reappoint Police Chief Cathy Lanier. ”
Crime statistics are notoriously difficult to report on. If no one takes credit for a drop no one has to take credit for a rise. And drops can be attributed to all sorts of factors that have nothing to do with politics: more victims surviving their wounds, for instance.
Still, I’ll be looking for answers to the following questions over the next few weeks. What do you want to know when it comes to D.C.’s homicide rate?
1. How many people were admitted to local hospital with gunshot wounds this year? How does that compare to last year? Five years ago?
2. How many ShotSpotter calls did D.C. police respond to this year compared to last year? Five years ago?
3. Has there been a significant decrease or increase in homicides or violent assaults in any particular neighborhoods?
4. What does Chief Lanier think is the best homicide-fighting tool in her department?
5. What do the homicides that have occurred this year tell us about who is a victim, and who is a perpetrator, of violent crime in the District?
6. Do reduced homicides mean D.C. is safer?
