In response to a recent data request, the Controller’s Office is releasing historical information about the Police department’s annual budget and the number of total homicides citywide. Controller Rhynhart believes transparency is crucial for creating a fair and equitable City government that works for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable Philadelphians. The City has a responsibility to its residents to provide information in an easily accessible and understandable format. Per the data request, the data shows the Police department’s budget together with the city’s annual homicide total. It is important to note, however, that a number of factors beyond policing influence the homicide rate. Increases in the Police budget are due primarily to personnel costs, including negotiated wage increases and additional uniformed positions.

Explore the data here.