Voice: Mensah M. Dean

For the first time in three years, the city is poised to start a new year with fewer than 500 fatalities, thanks to a renewed focus on the most violent neighborhoods. But the gunshots, sirens, and recurring cycles of mourning persist

The Mayor-elect campaigned on stop-and-frisk, increasing police and bringing in the National Guard. Her constituents have strong views on all of that

Like cities around the country, Philly has seen a drop in homicides this year — but more work is needed from the state and the city to keep reducing violent crime

The police, DA and Sheriff’s Office have kicked off a new partnership to track down known homicide suspects. Will it help assuage the frustration of victims’ families?

Officer Christopher Fitzgerald’s murder came 15 months after the university’s last high-profile killing. Students, parents and staff are searching for solutions

Two City workers were shot and killed on the job last year, while several others were threatened. The Trace looks at how the City of Philadelphia is responding