Homicides in Milwaukee decreased 32 percent in 2008 from the previous year, according to figures released by Milwaukee Police.

A Police Department report said there were 71 homicides in Milwaukee last year, compared with 105 in 2007. Chief Edward Flynn and his staff cited the fact that two-thirds fewer young black males died violent deaths on city streets and the number of people killed by firearms dropped by nearly one-half.

"We never forget that every number represents a human life," Flynn said. "The work of many people and many organizations has clearly begun to show signs of success. Our partnership with the federal agencies has resulted in several big gang takedowns.

"We have a close relationship with probation and parole agents who now are co-located with Milwaukee Police officers in the district stations and the Neighborhood Task Force has had a significant impact."

Flynn cited several factors in the reduction of the murder rate, including:

• The use of data to drive police deployment.

• Empowerment of district commanders to run their districts as "mini police departments" and to create solutions to district-specific problems.

• The presence of community prosecutors who can tailor prosecution resources to district issues; presence of probation and parole agents in the districts.

• Ongoing partnerships with community groups who mentor our youth on a daily basis.

• Implementation of the Neighborhood Task Force (NTF); increased visibility of officers on foot and motorcycles during saturation patrols.

• Federal partner agencies working with MPD on gang takedowns.

• Homicide Review Commission review of homicides with community partners and implementation of recommendations with agencies involved with suspects/victims.

The Police Department released several statistics about the murder rate:

• Number of black male victims killed between the ages of 15 and 29 decreased by 64.8% (19 of 71 in 2008; 54 of 105 in 2007).

• Number of victims killed by a firearm decreased by 46.4 %; Non-fatal shootings were down 8% in 2008 from 2007 (84 firearms deaths in 2007 compared to 46): 447 people were shot in 2008 compared to 485 in 2007.

• In 2008, 7% of homicide victims (5) were under the age of 1, compared to 2007, where 1 victim was under one year of age. Three were shaken baby deaths and two were from other child abuse.

• The average number of homicides over the past 29 years is 109. Here is a look at the number of murders in Milwaukee from 1980 to the present:

1980 -- 80
1981 -- 76
1982 -- 70
1983 -- 54
1984 -- 48
1985 -- 73
1986 -- 85
1987 -- 95
1988 -- 86
1989 -- 116
1990 -- 165
1991 -- 168
1992 -- 153
1993 -- 164
1994 -- 144
1995 -- 142
1996 -- 138
1997 -- 122
1998 -- 107
1999 -- 124
2000 -- 121
2001 -- 127
2002 -- 108
2003 -- 107
2004 -- 88
2005 -- 122
2006 -- 103
2007 -- 105
2008 -- 71