NORFOLK — Police Chief Mark Talbot said the city experienced a significant drop in crime in 2024, especially compared with 2022, when a string of downtown shootings led to a major city crackdown on nightclubs.
Homicides, nonfatal shootings and all crime declined in 2024 compared with 2023, Talbot said during a presentation Tuesday to Norfolk City Council. During that time, homicides decreased 12% from 42 to 37, nonfatal shootings dropped 40% from 123 to 74, according to data shared by police. Homicides were down about 41% compared with 63 killings in 2022.
The successes came despite continuing concerns with recruiting and other challenges, Talbot said…