Pittsburgh crime rates drop: 2019 homicide numbers were lowest in 20 years

PITTSBURGH — Crime rates in the city of Pittsburgh dropped in 2019, according to public safety officials.

New numbers released Thursday show the crime rates are down, which officials said is thanks, in part, to city residents reporting concerns and coming forward with necessary information to help solve cases.

In addition to community engagement, officials credit the curb in crime to strong police work, fast work by emergency responders and strong law enforcement partnerships with other agencies.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive alerts for Allegheny County news. CLICK HERE to find out how.

Homicides in the city dropped 36 percent year-on-year, the numbers show. Pittsburgh went from 58 homicides in 2018 to 37 in 2019 -- the lowest number of homicides in more than 20 years.

Non-deadly shootings also went down for the fourth year in a row. There were 146.

Meanwhile, violent crimes dropped by .8 percent.

Some Pittsburgh residents said the numbers are positive, but more work is needed.

“I appreciate the job they have done so far, and I know it’s a hard job. I wouldn’t want to do it. But I think there’s a lot more things that should be done in the neighborhoods,” Dawn Little, of Pittsburgh, said.

Click here to read the whole crime report from the City of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh teacher resigns after 5-year-old suffers severe burns during science experiment Pittsburgh teacher resigns after 5-year-old suffers severe burns during science experiment

© 2020 Cox Media Group