CPD Data: Violent crime continues to decline

Chicago Police say June continued a steady decline in violent crime for the city. 

Police say murders and shootings are down within the first six months of 2018. The streak now stands at 16 straight months of lowering numbers. 

The department is citing 79 fewer murders and 270 fewer shootings than last year. It represents a sharp decline from 2016, which had nearly 100 more murders.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson is emphasizing the department's new crime-fighting strategy as a factor. They have improved the use of security cameras near CTA stations and have also called on the help of federal agents, like the ATF.

The new numbers are being celebrated, but police say the work is far from over. Violent summer days persist, with 23 shot over the weekend, including five children.