Chicago's homicide total in April is lowest since 1962

CHICAGO, May 1 (UPI) -- Chicago had its most peaceful April in more than 50 years, with only 23 homicides as of Tuesday night, statistics indicate.

The month's total is the lowest since April 1962, when 17 homicides were recorded, the Chicago Tribune said, and two of Chicago's most violent districts had no homicides in April.

The four-month total from the start of January through the end of April was also low, the Tribune reported. The city recorded fewer than 100 homicides in the four-month period for the first time since 1963, police said.

The news is encouraging after last year's disastrously violent start to 2012.

A number of law enforcement officials credited the department's overtime initiative that was launched last summer in an effort to cut down on street violence.

The city also has plans to hire more officers this year to increase police presence in the city, the Tribune said.