Violent Crime Up by Nearly 16 Percent In Los Angeles: LAPD

Violent crime in Los Angeles increased by nearly 16 percent during the first half of this year compared with the same period a year ago, authorities said Friday.

Statistics released today by the Los Angeles Police Department also showed an increase in property crimes by 3.8 percent, and a 6.3 percent hike in overall crime in the past 12 months.

The number of shooting victims rose by 1.3 percent, from 537 to 544. The "year to date'' figures covered the period from Jan. 1 through July 16.

The statistics were released at a news conference at police headquarters conducted by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Also released Friday were results of a survey of a sampling of about 2,000 Los Angeles residents that measured their "perceptions of safety and fear of crime'' and other feelings about police-related topics.

Beck noted that it was important to measure "public trust ... not just crime numbers.''

"We need the public's help,'' Beck said.

Three areas were covered:

In the section titled "perceptions of safety and fear of crime,'' 70 percent of residents "feel somewhat or very safe walking alone in their neighborhood at night''; and 57 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that Los Angeles is safer compared to other large cities.''

In the section titled "satisfaction with police services,'' 73 percent of residents "somewhat or strongly approve of the job that LAPD is doing''; and 79 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that officers treat residents in a fair and courteous manner.''

In the section "perceptions of trust in LAPD,'' 69 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that LAPD officers are honest and trustworthy''; and 84 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that LAPD officers conduct themselves in a professional manner.''

"This is a revolution in the way (the LAPD) measures (its) progress,'' Beck said.

Garcetti said the surveys would be conducted at least once a year, "preferably quarterly,'' to help measure levels of public trust.

Copyright City News Service