Violent crime down in Detroit

New FBI crime figures show Detroit’s violent crime rate dropped significantly in the first half of this year.

FBI statistics show violent crimes in Detroit fell by about 8-percent from the first half of 2009.

The biggest reduction was in homicides (28%), which fell from 202 to 146. Robberies were also down about 9%.

The city did see jumps in rapes and arsons.

Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee attributes the crime drop to a "data-based approach” to police deployment, and building partnerships with the community.

Godbee has said he’s continuing the successful efforts of his predecessor, Warren Evans.

Evans was chief during the first half of this year. Mayor Dave Bing fired him in a flap over a reality TV show and a relationship with a subordinate in July.

Nationwide, violent crime declined about 6% over the same period.