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Number Of Homicides In Washington, At 45-Year Low

January 1, 2010
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By Kavitha Cardoza

Washington, D.C. has hit a 45-year low in homicides. The nation's capital recorded 140 homicides in 2009, the fewest since 1964, when there were 132. The homicide total represents a 25 percent drop from 2008.

There's no consensus among D.C. police officials about the reason for the big drop, but theories include more focused enforcement and better use of technology.

Many other cities also saw fewer homicides in 2009, and the FBI reported that murder was down 10 percent nationwide in the first six months of the year.

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