Atlanta touts major drop in crime: Homicides drop by near a third

Atlanta crime rates dropping

New reports show Atlanta streets are getting safer. Crime dropped for the third year in a row. Homicides are down 32-percent. That?s well ahead of the national rate. The city credits a comprehensive approach to reducing crime.

ATLANTA - For the third year in a row, crime is falling in Atlanta, with the city reporting a significant drop in homicides and overall violent crime. City officials credit a multi-layered approach that includes community engagement, youth programs, and stronger ties with neighborhoods.

According to new data, overall crime in Atlanta is down 9 percent compared to the same time last year. Homicides have dropped 32% year-to-date — nearly double the nationwide decrease of 17% in deadly crimes. Property crimes have fallen 12%, and car thefts have declined 39%.

What they're saying:

"Policing and non-policing activities have brought down violent crime in Atlanta," said Mayor Andre Dickens, calling public safety his administration’s top priority.

"This is a win for all Atlanta and everyone who resides in our 245 neighborhoods," said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.

Mayor Dickens said the city’s progress is rooted in strong collaboration.

"We had to do it with the nonprofits, with the business, with clergy, with the school system, with all of our partners," he said.

Among the initiatives, the city has expanded after-school and summer programs and employed 6,000 teens this summer, averaging $17.50 per hour, according to the mayor.

"It is about making sure our young people have something to do," he said.

Dallise Elliott, an Atlanta resident, said the statistics reflect a positive shift.

"We want to live in a better place, and people are taking the initiative to do that," she said. "People are feeling more safe to live their lives and make a positive change in the community."

Still, not all numbers point to improvement. Reports of rape are up 19 percent, and robberies have increased 35 percent over the past year.

"When the mayor came into office, it was a full-court press on safety in our city," said Chief Schierbaum. "But there’s still a lot of work to do here."

What's next:

The city launched the "No More" campaign to raise awareness about rape and domestic violence. Police officials said patrols are being increased in robbery-prone areas, with a focus on targeting gangs and illegal firearms.