Homicides and other violent crimes in Colorado Springs trending down so far in 2023
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After a record-high murder rate in 2022, Colorado Springs police are reporting a nearly 50 percent drop in the number of homicides so far in 2023.
Springs police investigated a record 54 homicides last year. In July of 2022, CSPD had investigated 28 homicides - now halfway through 2023, they are only at 15.
They stated that although they are encouraged by the decrease, they are hesitant to call it a trend - as homicides are one of the hardest crimes to predict, based on most victims and those who assault them knowing one another.
“It's only been six months. But with that said, we're obviously very happy to see that the numbers are so significantly lower, especially in the case of when we're talking about community members that we've lost.” stated Lt. Pamela Castro, the Colorado Springs Police Public Information Officer.
They believe that despite their staffing numbers, their assault and armed violence units have helped prevent offenders before they commit a violent act.
“Our hope is that in trying to investigate those crimes to the fullest extent possible and make arrests when we develop probable cause, that it has an impact in other areas of criminal activity, not just homicides.”
Police also say that community members have been very active in assisting the department with information and their investigations.
“They call us when there's crimes, they're reporting crimes. Uh, Crime Stoppers is very actively used by our citizens, so it's a great cooperation between us, our community.”
Pueblo Police Department is tasked with investigating fewer murders this year too. So far in 2023, the department has reported 11 murders, compared to the 29 total murders recorded last year.
It also appears the same trend is playing out in Denver, with their police department reporting a 22% dip in homicides between January and July of this year, compared to the same period in 2022.
