LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell announced a significant decline in homicides and violent crimes in 2024, citing the impact of policing strategies and community partnerships. The announcement was made alongside members of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners and community representatives from the Hollenbeck Division, where homicides fell by 65%.
Homicides and Violent Crime Decline
LA crime trends in 2024 show a 14% drop in homicides, with 47 fewer cases than in 2023. The Operations-Valley Bureau experienced the largest decline, recording a 28% reduction in homicides. Community programs like the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program and the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) helped reduce homicides by 40% in key neighborhoods.
Citywide, violent crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, dropped by 2,586 incidents from 2023 levels.
- Shooting victims decreased by 19% (-225 cases).
- Aggravated assaults fell by 2,371 cases.
- Rape cases dropped by 97 incidents.
- Robberies remained nearly unchanged, with 8,637 cases compared to 8,696 in 2023.
Property Crimes and Retail Theft
LAPD reported a 7% decline in property crimes, with 7,259 fewer incidents in 2024. The Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovered over $36 million in stolen merchandise, leading to hundreds of arrests. The Heavy Metal Task Force made 100+ arrests and seized thousands of pounds of stolen copper wire.
- Burglaries decreased by 1,092 cases.
- Motor vehicle thefts declined by 1,963 cases.
- Theft from motor vehicles dropped by 3,988 cases.
- Overall theft cases fell by 216 incidents.
Traffic Safety and Fatal Crashes
Traffic-related fatalities also declined in 2024:
- Fatal hit-and-run crashes dropped by 6.5% (-9 cases).
- DUI-related fatalities decreased by 36.7% (-11 cases).
- Pedestrian deaths from vehicle collisions fell by 7% (-13 cases).
LAPD Recruitment and Data Reporting Improvements
LAPD saw a four-year high in applications as Mayor Karen Bass pushed for recruitment expansion. She reaffirmed support for Chief Jim McDonnell in growing the department and improving officer morale.
Additionally, LAPD transitioned to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to align with federal crime reporting standards. This system provides more detailed crime data, enhancing accuracy and crime analysis.
Looking Ahead
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that while LA crime trends are improving, the city remains focused on further reducing crime. “Public safety is my top priority, and we will continue taking bold steps to ensure every resident feels secure,” she said.
Chief Jim McDonnell echoed her stance, adding, “These crime reductions are significant, but we know they don’t erase the pain for those who have been victims. We hear you, and we remain dedicated to making Los Angeles safer for all.”
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
