Citizen: Each year since 1970, a new record has been set for the number of murders committed in this city  This fact points to the decreasing ability of our law enforcement system to prevent violent crime  City official: You overlook the fact that the city' s population has risen steadily since 1970
In fact, the number of murder victims per 100 people has actually fallen slightly in the city since 1970
Murders and other violent crimes are more likely to be reported now than they were in 1970.