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Homicide Rate is Up, City Budget Crisis to Blame?
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck today said killings are up when compared to this time last year. A total of 82 people have been killed within Los Angeles city limits this year, four or 5% more than last year at this time, according to the LA Times. In his report the Police Commission, Beck said the city's budget crisis is making it difficult to respond to demand. Basically, a lack of overtime funding has less cops on the streets. It should be noted, however, that overall violent crime and property crime are both down around 10%. Meanwhile, the union that represents officers have launched an online petition to urge City Councilmembers to stop any further public safety cuts, says the LA Weekly.
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