2021 will be a record-setting year for Flint, but setting a new homicide record is not what anyone in the city wants to see.

According to data from the FBI and the Flint Police Department, Flint has recorded 67 total homicides in 2021, and we still have a few days left. The previous homicide record for Flint was 64 set back in 2012 according to FBI data going back to the mid-'80s.

Obviously, this is not a record that anyone wants to see, but it seems like the violence has been steadily increasing. Flint has recorded 7 homicides in the last week alone, and everyone is praying that there won't be any more to wrap up the year.

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Below is a year-to-date crime breakout provided by the Flint Police Department detailing the type of crime, and the statistics around it.

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Homicide is broken down into four categories by the FPD, below are the four types with the numbers for 2021.

  • Murder/Nonnegligent Homicide - 59 (up 7% from 2020)
  • Negligent Homicide / Manslaughter - 1 (no change from 2020)
  • Negligent Homicide involving a vehicle - (no change from 2020)
  • Justifiable Homicide - 4 (up 300% from 2020)

Before anyone starts to drag Flint through the mud, it should be pointed out that total crime in Flint is actually down this year. The Flint Police Department has worked extremely hard to do community outreach aimed at preventing crime before it happens. They have worked with the Genesee County Sherriff's office to help keep crime down. The department has even incorporated the use of a police helicopter this summer.

I hate how everyone automatically just blames Flint instead of asking how they can help be a part of the solution. We all know that Flint has a long-standing reputation as a violent city, but despite the homicide numbers, I think we are moving beyond that stereotype.

If you ask me Flint is in the early stages of a resurgence that will end with a city that is barely recognizable to the negative stereotypes that so many keep going back to. I know this sounds optimistic, but when you take time to talk to the people making positive changes for Flint, and see the impact they make, it's undeniable.

Our hearts are with each of the families that have been torn apart by these homicides, and hopefully, someday soon, this violent chapter in Flint history will be a long gone memory.

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