Pittsburgh homicides hit 20-year low

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh saw a sharp decline in the number of homicides in 2019 – the lowest in 20 years.

Police investigated 37 homicides last year, according to numbers released by the police department. While that’s still significant, it’s nearly 30% fewer than the 52 homicides in 2019.

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For much of the last decade, Pittsburgh Public Safety has focused on strategies to reduce violent crime. According to crime data, those strategies appear to be working.

Here are the Pittsburgh homicide numbers for the past 10 years:

• 2019 - 37
• 2018 - 52
• 2017 - 59
• 2016 - 59
• 2015 - 60
• 2014 - 70
• 2013 - 47
• 2012 - 41
• 2011 - 44
• 2010 - 58
• 2009 - 44

In his 2020 budget, Mayor Bill Peduto asked for more money to create three police substations in downtown, Homewood and the South Side. His budget also includes more money for officer recruit classes.

In November, city council also approved $10 million to buy new body cameras and Tasers for police officers.

Pennsylvania laws starting in 2020 Pennsylvania laws starting in 2020

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