Philadelphia is on track for a 24 percent decline in the number of homicides compared to last year, and by the end of the year the city could reach an annual level not seen since 1967.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Saturday the city is headed for a total of about 250 slayings in 2013, 80 fewer than last year.
The mayor, police chief and district attorney credit an effort that melds data with old school police work, targeting gun criminals and areas of intense criminal activity.
There have also been changes to the city's courts, pushing more cases to trial.
The number stood at 237 on Friday. If the figure reaches 250 at the end of the month it'll be the lowest since 1967, when there were 234 killings.
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