The Salem Police Department recently released an annual report revealing trends and changes in the number of homicides, aggravated assaults, burglaries and other crimes over the past 15 years. Last year, there were 10 homicides in Salem, a 15-year high for the city of nearly 180,000 residents. Violent crime overall has increased by 35% since 2009 in Salem, while property crime has declined by 3% over the same time.

Meanwhile, Salem police and city officials recently kicked off a series of meetings with community members under a new initiative aimed at addressing the city’s surge in gun violence, especially among at-risk youth. Joining us to talk about crime in Salem is Ardeshir Tabrizian, criminal justice reporter for the Salem Reporter.

Homicides hit 15-year high in Salem last year