Crime statistics in Chicago are often the subject of debate, with officials and commentators questioning how data is presented and interpreted. The complexity arises from the intersection of public fear, political interests, and selective use of data.

According to some observers, one of the main issues is not outright falsehoods but rather “damned lies,” or technically accurate yet misleading statements. For example, city leaders may highlight a reduction in murders compared to a period following a pandemic-related spike, without noting that shootings remain high relative to pre-2019 levels. Additionally, improvements in trauma care have reduced homicide rates even as non-fatal shootings persist at elevated numbers. "The line between 'homicide' and 'aggravated battery with a firearm' is n

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