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Violent Crime — Including Homicides — Down In 2023, LAPD Chief Says
LAPD Headquarters in front of City Hall. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
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Topline:
Police Chief Michel Moore said Wednesday that Los Angeles saw a roughly 3% reduction in violent crime in 2023 over the previous year. According to the department, there were 17% fewer homicides in the city in 2023 than in 2022.
Traffic woes: According to the LAPD’s 2023 Crime and Initiatives Report, L.A. saw a “new and disturbing trend” in 2023 when it comes to traffic deaths. For the first time in a decade, L.A. saw more fatalities resulting from traffic crashes than homicides, according to the department.
Perception: Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Moore said while the numbers show that violent crime was down last year, “the perception of safety remains a concern across this great city.” Moore attributed part of that perception to an increase in robberies involving firearms and said the department would work to fight illegal gun trafficking.
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What about police shootings? Moore said the LAPD’s full 2023 report on officer use-of-force would be released by March 1, which will include police shootings. Moore said there were 34 shootings by LAPD officers last year, up from 31 in 2022.
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