News Releases

Number of Murders in Mobile Lowest in 15 Years

Jan 4th, 2016

The number of murders in the city of Mobile for 2015 is the lowest in 15 years and second lowest in nearly three decades. Ending 2015 with 23 homicides, the decrease is attributed to the community's collaboration with the Mobile Police Department and the rise of community leadership from pastors who are supportive of making the city safer.

"With great effort we've lowered the murder rate in Mobile but there are still 23 too many murders with 23 families losing loved ones to violence," says Chief James Barber of the Mobile Police Department. "Much work is to be done to make Mobile the safest city in America."

The community's involvement in crime prevention happens every day through the Mobile Police Tip Line, CrimeStoppers and social media. Along with the public's watchful eyes, year round the police identify tactics and strategies to make the community safe.

Local area pastors are using the voice of condemnation to help prevent crime in their neighborhoods and are seen participating in the Mobile Police Department's community outreach programs.

Moving forward in 2016, the focus will be on establishing more partnerships with the community and promoting self-policing, which is key to making the city safer. For Chief Barber, it's not about output such as the number of people arrested, rather it's about outcome. "We exist to keep the community safe and those are the results we intend to see."

Homicide Count by Year

Year Homicide Count
2015 23
2014 31
2013 27
2012 29
2011 31
2010 25
2009 24
2008 42
2007 40
2006 34
2005 35
2004 29
2003 24
2002 41
2001 42
2000 20
1999 37
1998 36
1997 53
1996 51
1995 56
1994 48
1993 46
1992 40
1991 45
1990 43
1989 43
1988 42

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Charlette Solis
Mobile Police Department
Public Affairs Officer
251-208-1918