Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
2009 Crime Numbers Released: Crime is Down, Most Murders Solved
Mayor Villaraigosa speaks. Behind him, left to right: Police Commission President John Mack, LA City Council President Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck | Tyrone D. Washington/City of LA
()
Mayor Villaraigosa speaks. Behind him, left to right: Police Commission President John Mack, LA City Council President Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck | Tyrone D. Washington/City of LA
"It is mind boggling that we have continued to drive crime down in the numbers and we've done it in no small part because of the men and women of this police department," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at today's press conference discussing 2009 crime statistics. "We're still the most under policed big city police department in the United States of America," he said, referring to Los Angeles' size of force--just under 10,000 officers--and size of coverage--456 square miles.
As 2009 approached, LAist made note of the low murder rate. By year end, Los Angeles saw 314 murders, an 18% dip--69 less than last year--when compared to 2008. That number is the lowest since 1967 (just don't fall into the rhetoric of saying the city is as safe as the 50s or 60s). That's much better than the 90s when there were over 1,000 murders. With lower murder rate, detectives and resources were able to hone in on cases and close 83% of them. Some detectives were afforded time to go into cold case files, even arresting one of their own for a murder back in the 80s.
In all, crime went down by 9% when compared to 2008. That adds another year to the now-seven year trend of crime rates in decline. There were 116,050 violent and property crimes reported. Statistically speaking, Los Angeles experienced the biggest improvement among major American cities, save for San Diego who did better, according to Villaraigosa.
Support for LAist comes from
Other statistics, via the Daily News, include:
- 10% decrease in violent crime.
- Property crime reduced by of 8%.
- 19.6% decline in auto theft.
- Citywide gang crime dropped 11%, and gang related homicides declined by 15%. Also a 15% decrease in gang related shooting victims.
- There was a 6% drop in shots fired.
- 12.4% less aggravated assaults.
- Rape declined by 8.2%.
- Robbery declined by 9.3%.
- A 7.7% in burglary.
- Theft from Vehicles declined by 4.7% and other theft by 2.5%.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist