Miami-Dade Police reported fewer murders so far in 2024 compared to last year

The Miami-Dade Police Department is reporting a 33% drop in murders so far this year compared to 2023.

Why it matters: Most large U.S. cities are starting to see drops in violence after sharp increases during the pandemic.

• The number of homicides in 204 cities dropped 20% in the first three months of this year, compared to the same time last year, per an AH Datalytics report reviewed by Axios.

By the numbers: MDPD reported 18 murders in the first three months of 2024 compared to 27 during the same timespan in 2024, according to an internal report .

• The department saw a 31% drop in overall violent crime in the same period.

Yes, but: MDPD's Homicide Bureau is only responsible for investigating deaths that occur in unincorporated Dade County and in 27 of the county's 35 municipalities.

• Cities like Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach and North Miami have their own homicide bureaus, per the Miami Herald .

What they're saying: MDPD detective Angel Rodriguez tells Axios that gun violence programs like the Youth Outreach Unit and Operation Community Shield have contributed to the decrease.