The media was big on updating homicide numbers on a seemingly daily basis during the past three years. We've inexplicably gotten away from that practice this year, but the numbers fell into my lap yesterday so I figured it would be worth a quick post. All together now:

As of 2/25/08, there were 44 homicides in Philadelphia. On that same date a year ago, we were at 57. Commissioner Charles Ramsey has been quick to point out, time and again, that it is still early -- and the middle of winter.

In other numbers news, the Police Department today announced that they now have an all-purpose, 24/7 tipline for citizens -- 215-686-TIPS. The number, of course, is similar to the Citizens Crime Commission's tipline, 215-546-TIPS. Plan on seeing the numbers mixed up in a news story near you soon.