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September 10, 2025

Is Crime Actually Down in Chicago?

City Cast Chicago

Is Crime Actually Down in Chicago?

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There’s been a whole lot of talk about crime in Chicago lately. The president claims that crime is rampant in Chicago, while the mayor and the governor counter that the data indicate violent crime is at historic lows. But then you have an alderman openly questioning the data. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Patrick Smith, co-host of WBEZ’s new morning show Say More. Smith has spent years covering crime and public safety in the city and is here to break down how crime is tracked in Chicago and how the numbers match up (or don’t) with public perception.

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