PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland has seen a 51% drop in homicides during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s midyear violent crime report.

Launched in 2023, the city’s ceasefire program targets individuals at high risk of gun violence. It connects them with community services such as housing, education and job opportunities to prevent further violence.

Other violent crimes, including aggravated assaults, rapes and robberies, also declined during the period.

Portland’s Focused Intervention Team Community Oversight Group (FITCOG) met Thursday night to review progress and discuss ways to improve community safety and reduce shootings. 

Chair Juma Whatley credited collaboration among local organizations for the success. 

“Different organizations everybody utilizing their resources to make sure that the people who are out driving gun violence up are occupied and doing things that don’t allow them to be out and causing harm in the community,” Whatley said.

FITCOG is currently seeking public feedback on gun violence prevention efforts.