Chicago Police have released crime stats for the month of September. It shows declines across the board. 

The crime stats show a double-digit reduction in murders and shootings since last year. 20-year lows were also seen in robberies, burglaries, and car thefts. 

Chicago Police say it’s feeling pretty good about that, but there is more work to be done. 

“We’re proud of the progress we’re making,” says CPD First Deputy Superintendent Anthony Riccio. “It is progress. No one’s spiking the ball. No one’s declaring victory, but it is progress.” Riccio added, “we continue to build on this. It’s been about three years of steady declines in violent crime.”

Part of that steady decline includes murders and shootings. Those are at their lowest numbers since 2015. 

Numbers show this has been a trend that's continued through the summer, which is when violence usually spikes. Riccio says it's all because of partnerships with city agencies, community groups, and street outreach organizations. 

It's not all good news though. 

Crime on the CTA is on the rise, doubling since 2015. Riccio spoke about that at Tuesday’s meeting and mentioned what's being done for commuters. 

“Obviously, that’s not acceptable,” Riccio states. “We encourage people to use public transportation. So we’ve increased both covert and visible officers on the CTA... we’re going to continue to work on that.”

“Nothing succeeds like success. So when we do see crime drops, when neighborhoods are safer, when people feel more comfortable coming in, that’s the goal. We want everyone to feel safe. 

Riccio also noted how “use of force” numbers have dropped in the department. “They’ve absolutely tanked,” he says. “We’re not as confrontational, and the public is not as confrontational with us.”

CPD also says community trust has led to more arrests and gun apprehensions. Officers recovered more than 1,000 guns from city streets in September. 

The department is on pace to seize over 10,000 guns by the end of 2019, with nearly 8,600 taken in so far. That's 21% more than last year. 

However, the city has seen almost 400 homicides this year. Riccio believes the best way to help decrease that number is to keep repeat offenders off the streets.

“Nothing’s more frustrating than an officer who locks somebody up with a gun… then the next day goes back on his beat and sees that same guy standing on the street corner.”