HOUSTON -- The homicide rate in January was down 20 percent compared to January 2006, officials told KPRC Local 2 Thursday.

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said he believes the department's focus on several hot spots throughout the city has contributed to the decline.

"Hopefully we're able to maintain or increase that downward trend for the rest of the year," Hurtt said. "At least we started off on a good foot."

The department has been able to concentrate on areas that have a high crime rate by giving officers overtime work.

Hurtt said the department's overtime budget is running low and may be depleted by the end of the year. He said he is actively looking for new sources of funding, including federal grants.