Founder and Managing Partner
On January 24, 2024 the Los Angeles Police Department revealed the City’s 2023 crime statistics in a report during their end of year press conference held at Police Headquarters on 1st Street. The full report, which can be viewed online at https://lapdonlinestrgeacc.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/lapdonlinemedia/2023-Homicide-Report.pdf shows several promising trends and data points, including the fact that 2023 was the time in nine years that the city had more deaths as a result of traffic crashes than homicides.
Livestream Video of the Press Conference:
Key Takeaways:
- Homicides: The year 2023 saw a 17% decrease in homicides from 2022, with 327 homicides in 2023. All geographic bureaus within the LAPD saw a reduction in homicides.
- Violent Crimes: The year 2023 saw a 3.2% decrease in violent crimes from 2022. However, there was a 1.9% increase in Citywide Part 1 Crimes (Part 1 Crimes are serious offenses such as rape, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, etc.). There was also a 10% decrease in the number of gunshot victims and over 8,000 firearms confiscated across the city.
- Property Crimes and Thefts: Overall, property crimes increased by 3.5% in 2023. There was a notable increase in motor vehicle thefts and citywide thefts, including 137 “flash robberies.”
- Traffic: Traffic crash fatalities surpassed homicides for the first time in nine years. Increases were noted in DUI-related deaths and pedestrian fatalities.
- Strategic Initiatives: The LAPD incorporated goals focusing on traffic safety, public education on safe driving, and enforcement strategies in their 2023-2025 Strategic Plan.
Homicide Rate Decrease:
In 2023, Los Angeles witnessed a notable decrease in homicide rates. The year concluded with 327 reported homicides, marking a 17% reduction compared to 2022. This decline is observed across all geographic bureaus, reflecting the effectiveness of LAPD’s targeted strategies in combating violent crimes.
Violent Crimes:
While the city experienced a decrease in violent crimes by 3.2%, there was a slight increase of 1.9% in Citywide Part 1 Crimes. This uptick underscores the complex nature of crime trends in metropolitan areas, necessitating continuous adaptation in law enforcement strategies.
Property Crimes and Thefts:
2023 saw a 3.5% increase in property crimes across Los Angeles. This included a rise in motor vehicle thefts and citywide thefts, highlighted by 137 incidents described as “flash robberies.” These statistics point towards evolving challenges in property crime prevention and enforcement.
Traffic-Related Fatalities:
A concerning trend emerged in traffic safety, with fatalities from traffic crashes exceeding homicides for the first time in nine years. Notably, there were increases in DUI-related deaths and pedestrian fatalities, signaling a need for enhanced traffic enforcement and public safety education.
LAPD’s Strategic Initiatives:
In response to these challenges, the LAPD has integrated new goals into their 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. These goals focus on enhancing traffic safety through public education campaigns and developing effective enforcement strategies to reduce traffic-related incidents.
Conclusion:
The Los Angeles Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to community safety. By integrating advanced technology and refining enforcement strategies, the LAPD strives to tackle the evolving landscape of urban crime and public safety concerns. Their ongoing efforts underline a dedication to reducing crime rates and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles.