Milwaukee homicides, shootings down in 2024, city leaders say

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Crime and violence are down in the city of Milwaukee, according to city leaders.

The Milwaukee crime statistics from 2024 show homicides have decreased by 23% from 2023 to 2024. Non-fatal shootings decreased by 24%.

"Yes, we had double-digit reduction, but we could have even more," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffery Norman. "Many of those homicides were a kid with a handgun, unfortunately, using it against another child. Absolutely preventable and absolutely unacceptable."

Chief Norman says a big concern is the consistency police are seeing of young adults and children committing what could be preventable crimes.

"When we see young people, especially those who are young adults, 19,18-years-old with firearms, they don’t go to a local gun store to purchase these weapons," said Chief Norman. "They don’t go into a sporting goods store. These are items that are being negligently left around."

As for increases, carjacking was up 11% from 2023 to 2024. Auto theft increased 2%.

"We still see a number of unacceptable vehicles being stolen where we ask the public to be more preventative," said Chief Norman.

A concern for residents is reckless driving and hit and run crashes remain consistent, with around 5,400 a year. Something Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says they are using multiple methods to reduce.

"It's not just enforcement, it's not just those physical improvements, it's educational as well and we are employing all three of those tools," said Mayor Johnson.

Chief Norman says the department is continuing to work to recruit new members for the department and with two years of crime trends going down in the city, he says he is confident going into the new year.