Homicide count - Police website (Philadelphia: violent crime, how much, buy)

[bulldog15]

Philadelphia Police Department | Crime Statistics

I think it's funny that they compare the totals to 2007 so they can say their is a 22% decline. Why 2007? Is it because it is the first year that there is a significant decline or is there a "real" statistical reason?

[ebyrnes]

but I think that the body count is a bit disingenuous anyway. I am far more interested in seeing a map and count of the shootings, stabbings etc., since our healthcare system here in PHL is a world leader in patching up folks with these injuries. Comparing the rate of shootings/stabbings etc from this year to last would be a better way to determine crime trends, rather than just the number of folks who die from their injuries.

I'm hoping that someone has a link to this data.

e

[Duderino]

1. The comparison to 2007 is not some political ploy to make the department look better. It's important to look at (and inform the public of) longer-term trends over the course of a few years to see how much crime is being perpetrated now compared to the past few years. In this case, the PPD looks at the past four years, which happens to include 2007. As this comparison is on a rolling basis, next year's homicide count will be compared to 2008. Honestly there's no underlying motive here.

2. The "body count" is by no means "disingenuous." Every city in the country keeps taps on the amount of premeditated incidents that lead to intended or unintended death, as these tend to be among the most violent crimes. As is expected of any professional police department, PPD also keeps track of all reported shootings, stabbings, etc. with accompanying maps here: Philadelphia Police Department | Crime Statistics.

[ebyrnes]

for the link to the more detailed crime information.

I understand that the PPD is required to report information about the number of murders, but I personally find the detailed stuff more telling - I was really surprised that as of June 26th, the number of violent crimes was on par with last year - I thought that it would be much higher!

e

[FlyiMetro]

Which stat is the most important one?

[frankgn87]

amazing how they can twist the results and people actually buy it..

[rdugirl]

19107 crimes | EveryBlock Philadelphia