(WTTW News)

As the summer months draw to a close, Chicago has recorded an 8% drop in homicides and a 15% decline in the number of shooting victims this year compared to last, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Monthly CPD data published Tuesday shows that the city has recorded 418 homicides, 1,677 shootings and 1,988 shooting victims in 2023 through the end of August.

Each of those totals is the fewest through the first eight months of a year since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were 54 homicides in August alone, according to the CPD — which is also the fewest for any such month since 2019 and marks a nearly 22% decline when compared to August 2022. Throughout last month, there were 233 shootings in the city and 281 shooting victims. Those totals are both down more than 20% compared to August 2022.

According to police, officers recovered 1,116 firearms throughout last month, bringing the yearly total up to 8,398. That total includes 836 assault weapons, which is a 16% increase year to date.

CPD data indicates violent crime along the CTA bus and train routes is down 13% year to date, while overall transit crime is down 12%. And the 835 vehicular hijackings recorded through the end of August is 26% below last year’s pace at this time, police said.

August also marks the last full month for Fred Waller as the CPD’s interim superintendent, after he took on that role in May. Mayor Brandon Johnson selected Chief Larry Snelling to become the department’s new full-time leader, and he is set to be sworn in in September, pending City Council confirmation.

“I am excited for the future of the Chicago Police Department under Chief Snelling's leadership,” Waller said in a statement. “He will bring an innovative vision as our Department continues working to build trust in our communities and strengthen safety in every neighborhood.”