In 2024, Detroit hit a significant milestone: the lowest homicide rate since 1965 with 203 victims. Despite the city's population growth, this is a clear sign of progress in combating its violent reputation. Mayor Mike Duggan noted this trend, recalling when the city first got under 400 homicides in 2002, then under 300 a few years back.
The drop in homicides wasn't the only good news. Nonfatal shootings, sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, robberies, and carjackings also saw declines. Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison praised the hardworking police officers for this achievement.
So, how did Detroit manage this turnaround? City officials pointed to strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies at the county, state, and federal levels. They also emphasized the importance of community involvement. Dujuan Zoe Kennedy, head of Force Detroit, one of six community groups working with the city, believes these groups can make neighborhoods safer by intervening early.
However, Detroit still has work to do. Compared to Boston, which has a similar population, Detroit's 203 homicides are much higher than Boston's 24. Mayor Duggan acknowledged this, mentioning that Detroit is adopting strategies from Boston like their ceasefire and Real Time Crime Center initiatives.
