Associated Press - November 27, 2009 7:34 AM ET
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Jefferson County police officials say the homicide rate in unincorporated portions of the county is on pace to decline this year.
Sheriff Mike Hale told The Birmingham News that the seven homicides reported this year compared with 13 last year represents a job well done by officers.
Sheriff's officials attribute the decline to increased efforts by the patrol and detective divisions, as well as the addition of the Street Crimes Unit working to attack crime hot spots.
Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews
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