In a recent gathering at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized the significant decline in violent crime in the city during 2025. This decrease marks a notable shift as many cities nationwide observe a drop in homicides and other criminal activities following a post-pandemic spike.
The mayor and superintendent attributed this positive trend to various city initiatives, including the establishment of a robbery task force last year. As of April 20, 2025, police data reported a 25 percent reduction in homicides and a 31 percent decrease in shootings compared to the same period the previous year.
Despite the commendable statistics, when questioned about specific policies contributing to the decline in violent crime, Mayor Johnson refrained from identifying particular initiatives. He has previously highlighted his administration’s focus on increasing youth employment and expanding mental health resources as critical components of his public safety strategy.
Johnson articulated the need for creating opportunities and holding individuals accountable, asserting the belief that policing alone cannot ensure safety. His vision encompasses building affordable housing, providing youth opportunities, and ensuring access to behavioral and mental health support services. He emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships within communities.
In further analysis of crime data, a striking drop in robberies was noted, with approximately 1,000 fewer incidents reported in Chicago in 2025 compared to the previous year. This drastic decline follows a troubling uptick in armed robberies that affected several neighborhoods, including West Town and Logan Square, in 2023 and 2024.
Last April, citywide robberies had surged nearly 30 percent year-over-year since 2021, with certain police districts experiencing even more severe increases due to organized robbery crews targeting multiple victims in successive incidents. However, through April 20, 2025, the total reported robberies in Chicago stood at 1,675, the lowest number of robberies in the first quarter of the year in the last 25 years, according to an analysis by WBEZ.
Superintendent Snelling credited the robbery task force’s effective deployment of “focus missions” across the city for the recent declines. He highlighted the role of enhanced air support, with additional helicopters aiding police during vehicle chases. This aerial support, he noted, has been instrumental in successfully apprehending robbery suspects.
While the overall robbery statistics are promising, some areas of the city still face challenges. Recent warnings were issued by the police department regarding a series of robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults linked to a single suspect in West Ridge. In West Town, Bucktown, and Logan Square, a robbery crew had attacked over 20 victims in various incidents during the winter. A 16-year-old has since been charged in connection with several of those crimes.
Burglaries also experienced a near 20 percent drop across the city this year, although certain neighborhoods, such as the Morgan Park (22nd) and Lincoln (20th) police districts, are witnessing increases. Last year, multiple businesses reported a string of burglaries, particularly affecting the North Side, where establishments were repeatedly targeted.
In the Town Hall (19th) Police District—which includes Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and parts of Lincoln Square—634 burglaries had been reported through December 1, 2024, making it the district with the highest incidents at that time. In contrast, through April 2025, robberies in the Town Hall district have decreased by 21 percent from the previous year but remain nearly 60 percent higher than figures from 2021. Snelling underscored the importance of collaboration between district commanders and local businesses to address these issues.
On the topic of addressing crime with youth, both Johnson and Snelling faced questions regarding proposals surrounding Chicago’s youth curfew in light of ongoing “teen takeovers” in the city. A revised version of the curfew ordinance—with backing from Ald. Brian Hopkins— is making its way through the City Council, allowing police the authority to declare a “situational curfew” anytime and anywhere in the city. Chicago currently has a youth curfew in effect beginning at 10 p.m. for individuals aged 17 and under.
While Johnson has expressed skepticism over changes to the curfew, he characterized the measure as a “step in the right direction” earlier this month. Similarly, Snelling refrained from providing a definitive stance on the ordinance, indicating its potential effectiveness would depend on the final version.
In summary, the city of Chicago is currently experiencing a decline in violent crime, with Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling optimistic about their initiatives and community engagements. They continue to monitor crime trends and address ongoing challenges while exploring various methods to ensure public safety.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/28/violent-crime-down-in-chicago-matching-national-trend-city-leaders-say/
