Milwaukee homicides increased 6 percent in 2012

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Homicides in Milwaukee increased in 2012 but were still lower compared to some past years.

According to the police department, homicides in the state's largest city increased 6 percent from 2011 to 92 homicides last year. There were 87 in 2011.

But the department noted that for the fifth year there were less than 100 homicides. The 2012 number is a 43 percent decline compared to 1990, 31 percent decrease over 2000 and 11 percent decrease since 2007.

In a statement, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said what they are doing to address violence has had a positive impact, but he noted everyday murders on the streets need to be considered when talking about reducing gun violence.

The department released its year-end homicide numbers on Thursday.