Chief credits good police work for drop in Youngstown's homicide rate

YOUNGSTOWN

Police Chief Robin Lees says proactive work by patrol officers and quick work by detectives are why the city’s homicide rate has stayed steady for the second straight year.

Youngstown recorded 19 homicides for 2014, down three from 2013’s total of 22 and the first time since 2003 the city has recorded fewer than 20

homicides for a year.

That may change, however, with the discovery New Year’s Day of a body on the South Side. Police say the man had been missing since October and they think he died in the city. They are investigating the death as a homicide.

Lees also credited the work done by the city’s Community Initiative To Reduce Violence, or CIRV program, to keep a lid on the homicide rate.

Officers on the road help to keep violence in check because they are often proactive while on patrol, Lees said, adding they are able to recover weapons that can head off potential trouble before it starts.

Detectives also have been able to make arrests early in cases, often within 24 hours, which is crucial because it cuts down on retaliatory violence and murders.

Read more about the department's strategy in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.