The homicide total for the year is 172, compared to 238 at this time last year. That’s a 28 percent decrease.

Police say there are many possible explanations for the drop, including greater coordination between local, state and federal agencies.

But they believe a new strategy in the city’s toughest neighborhoods is a major factor. Police officials say the Violent Crime Impact Division’s new enforcement teams now consistently focus on the activities of violent criminals known to frequent those areas.