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Murder Rate Down In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ―

It's still early in the year, but murders in Philadelphia are down about 25 percent.

As of Friday morning, 61 murders have occurred in the city, compared to 83 at this time last year.

The city's new police commissioner, Charles Ramsey, calls the figures "encouraging" but says it's too early to tell what is behind the decrease.

Ramsey has added some officers to patrol, and police efforts have been focused on the most violent districts. He also says more changes are coming.

Each captain has submitted a crime plan for the summer on what is anticipated. He says officials are devising strategies to try to neutralize problems.

Ramsey says an analysis is being made of murders last year to see if that information can help police intervene or prevent murders in the future.

Information from: Tony Hanson/KYW-AM, http://www.kyw1060.com

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)


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