"Surprising Decline: Americans Unaware of Rapid Drop in Violent Crime Rates"

Despite a significant drop in violent crime across the United States in 2023, public perception remains that crime is on the rise. Crime analyst Jeff Asher notes a 12.2% decline in murder rates and decreases in other violent crimes, but attributes the discrepancy to the way crime is reported in the media. Local reporters from Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minneapolis also highlight the disconnect between public perception and the reality of crime in their communities. Factors contributing to the decline in crime include various policing initiatives, economic improvements, and changes in law enforcement staffing, but changing public perception will require sustained progress.