Homicides Are Down. Who Deserves Credit Is the Wrong Question | Opinion

The nation's homicide rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1900, prompting a heated debate over the factors contributing to this historic decline over the past four years. While President Donald Trump has highlighted immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments, others have credited pandemic-era social spending and community violence intervention programs.

However, the Council on Criminal Justice brought together 48 researchers to examine and rate 48 potential drivers of the homicide decline. The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors, with community violence intervention and focused deterrence receiving significant support. The research also found that improved emergency response, trauma care, and a greater concentration of public safety resources contributed to the decline, regardless of political affiliation.