At 83, homicides climb highest in city in more than 55 years

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Two shooting deaths this weekend brought the number of homicides in the city to 83 for the year, the largest total in more than 55 years of record-keeping.
The police department began tracking the number of homicides in 1950, and the previous record was set in 1967 with 82. There were 81 homicides in 1968 and 1971, and the number has increased again this decade after dropping to 40 in 2000.
"This is tragic. We need to live in peace in this community," Mayor Mark Mallory said Sunday.
The police formed a special unit this year to try to curb violence in high-crime areas.
City council members vocally campaigned for increases to the police force during budget negotiations. Last week the council passed a budget that allocated funds to hire 60 additional officers over the next two years.