Washington — Nationwide homicides have decreased by 13%, according to data released by the FBI Quarterly Crime Report, which exhibits a downward tick in violent crime across the U.S.
The data indicates a 6% decrease in violent crime overall in communities across the country in 2023, compared to 2022. Notably, cities with populations greater than 1 million saw an 11% drop in crime.
Across the geographic regions of the U.S., cities in the Northeast saw the greatest reduction in violent crime at an 8% decline in 2023. By comparison, cities in the Midwest saw a 7% drop in violent crime last year, with a 6% reduction in the West and a 5% dip in the South.
The new FBI data rebuts a nationwide perception that crime and violence are on the rise. A Gallup poll released in November 2023 found 77% of Americans believed there was more crime in the country, compared to 2022. Nearly two-thirds polled felt there was either a "very" or "extremely" serious crime problem — the highest mark in the survey's history dating back to 2000.
During May of 2021, the Justice Department initiated a strategy to combat the surge in violent crimes, hate crimes, and officer shortages across law enforcement agencies in the United States. By November, the Department of Justice revealed a funding allocation of over $217 million to recruit 1,730 entry-level officers at 394 agencies spanning 48 states, facilitated through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services' (COPS) hiring initiative.
"We recognize the fragility of hard-won progress and the importance of sustained effort," remarked Attorney General Merrick Garland in a released statement. He further emphasized, "The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with law enforcement and local communities to combat violent crime. Our dedication persists until every community in the nation is secure."
