ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis City is on track to record the largest year-to-year homicide drop in 90 years.
Currently, St. Louis City is showing a 20% drop in homicides entering the fourth quarter of 2023. As of Nov. 6th, there have been 139 killings, down from 173 at the same time last year.
The rates in St. Louis City follows an encouraging trend nationally as homicides rates have dropped across the country, at an average of 9.4% this year.
Homicides aren't the only trend to see a drop in St. Louis City. Aggravated assaults, robberies, and burglaries are also down compared to last year.
The encouraging trend coincides with St. Louis City opening the Office of Violence Prevention more than 18 months ago.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says that the office presence in St. Louis and the crime reduction strategies brought forth by St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy is working.
"Chief Tracy has implemented his proven crime reduction strategies from Wilmington, Delaware, Chicago, and New York," said Mayor Jones to the St. Louis American. "All these things working together are why we have seen a reduction in homicide and crime overall."
However, James Clark with the Urban League tells the St. Louis American while homicides are down, not everyone who is shot is killed. He believes St. Louis should not ignore the number of shootings in the area.
"The number of people shot will give us a more accurate perspective on the sheer level of gun violence. Not all shootings end in a homicide." Clark said. "Also, we must include the East St. Louis, in our planning and execution of efforts."