At a Glance
- Philadelphia’s homicide rate fell from 11 to 4 per week, the lowest since 1966.
- Police clearance rate now 82%, with 144 of 222 homicides solved in 2025.
- Mayor Cherelle Parker’s tough-on-crime leadership and tech investments drove gains.
- Why it matters: It shows how coordinated strategy can slash violence and improve justice outcomes.
In 2021, Philadelphia residents lived in fear of nearly 11 homicides weekly; today the city averages four, the lowest since 1966, thanks to leadership, technology and community programs.
Leadership and Strategy
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said:
> “That’s 59 years, which is incredible.”
> “Absolutely incredible.”
He explained that the city’s turnaround began as life returned to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the department mapped out a new strategy.
Technology and Investigation
Bethel highlighted investments in license-plate readers, an advanced forensic unit and phone-based evidence tools:
- License-plate readers
- Advanced forensic analysis
- Phone-technology for evidence
> “There used to be a time you couldn’t solve a homicide unless somebody said that person did it. Today, that’s not the case.”
Clearance Rates
The department now boasts an 82% clearance rate, including homicides solved from previous years. Of 222 reported homicides in 2025, 144 – more than 60% – were solved by year-end.
John Shjarback, a criminal-justice associate professor at Rowan University, told News Of Philadelphia:
> “We’re actually on pace to have the highest clearance rates for murder nationwide since about 2009.”
| Metric | 2021 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. homicides per week | ~11 | ~4 |
| Clearance rate | N/A | 82% |
Community Programs
Philadelphia runs violence-interruption programs that knock on doors, convince youth to stay away from violence and provide support services. Bethel said these programs are part of the success.
Legal Perspective
District Attorney Larry Krasner said it’s too soon to tell if the homicides cleared in 2025 will end in convictions. He praised the police work:
> “The Philadelphia Police Department and its detectives are doing a job that is very impressive and, in my view, better and better when it comes to solving these cases.”
> “The decrease in homicides has allowed detectives to gather more evidence in the remaining cases. That extra layer of evidence often determines the difference between a successful prosecution and a failure or an arrest and no arrest.”
Looking Ahead
Bethel expressed optimism for 2026:
> “I don’t have a brake pad. I have a gas pedal. Keep pushing. There’s no brake, right? This is 365 days a year, 24 hours, seven days a week.”
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia’s homicide rate dropped dramatically, hitting a 59-year low.
- Clearance rates climbed to 82%, with over 60% of 2025 homicides solved.
- Leadership, technology, and community outreach are driving sustained progress.
The city’s momentum suggests that coordinated efforts can keep violence down and justice moving forward.
