Homicide in Wisconsin's largest city is at its lowest in 22 years. The Milwaukee Police Department said 49 people were murdered in the first eight months of 2008. With two killings this month, the total is actually 51 but that's still much lower than the 69 homicides by this date a year ago. Police Chief Ed Flynn credits what he calls "thoughtful, comprehensive policing."
Flynn has only been on the job since early this year and Stan Stojkovic of U- Milwaukee says that's not long enough to draw any conclusions. He says the availability of jobs, more opportunities in schools and greater family involvement are also factors in taking a bite out of crime. But neighborhood leader Bob Greene says the police have helped residents feel more secure, by putting more officers on-the-beat in the places that are struggling the most. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he's especially pleased with a large reduction in killings among young people.