NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – As the North Charleston Police Department awaits its next chief, the agency reported fewer violent and non-violent crimes this year compared to 2023. In an announcement Wednesday on the department's social media pages, NCPD reported a 14% decrease in violent crime through September 2024 and added that homicides were down 38% (-8) when compared to the same period last year. Other stats provided by the department show that aggravated assaults saw a 15% decrease, and aggravated assaults with guns were down 13% (-32). The number of shooting victims is down 16%. Additionally, police say rapes are down 19% from this time last year, and robberies are down slightly at 5%. While the department said business robberies are up 42% (+5), the number of individuals being robbed decreased by 9%. “Non-violent crime is also down by 15% compared to last year. Burglaries are down 15%, and business burglaries are down 45% (-64),” North Charleston PD said in its post. Stolen vehicle crimes are down 14% and DUI arrests are up 77% (+40). The numbers come as the department searches for a new police chief. Chief Greg Gomes left the agency in June after only serving as the department's leader for about a year. North Charleston last month said it narrowed the pool of candidates to six finalists including two internal applicants: one from the city of Charleston, and three national candidates. While final in-person interviews were scheduled for mid-September, it's unclear when the city will decide on the next chief.