During a recent Board of Police Commission meeting, the LAPD shared encouraging updates on the reductions across different crime categories so far this year. Understanding the specific areas where Los Angeles has made progress can help inform future policing strategies and community programs to sustain these downward trends.

Key Highlights on Violent and Property Crime Reductions

As of May, the LAPD reported that violent crime has decreased 2.4% and property crime has decreased 3.3% compared to the same period last year. Homicides in particular have been trending down since mid-March, falling from a year-to-date increase of 13.8% to just over 4.2%.

So far there have been 113 homicides citywide, which includes 35 gang-related deaths. For context, there were 106 total homicides last year, with 59 being gang-related. So while homicides are up 6.6% over 2023, they remain 19.9% lower than 2022 levels.

The number of shooting victims is also down to 399, a reduction of 47 victims compared to this time last year. Of those 399 shot, 150 occurred in the LAPD’s South Bureau. These figures indicate progress is being made in reducing lethal violent crime involving firearms.

On the property crime side, robberies are up significantly between 8.2% and 13.4% over the past seven weeks. However, robberies involving a firearm have still decreased since early March. Total robberies year-to-date are 13.4% higher than 2023 but 4.5% lower than 2022.

Motor vehicle thefts declined between 9.6% and 5% from March through late April. But they increased again by 5.6% this month compared to 2023. Kias, Chevrolets and Hyundais remain the most commonly stolen vehicle types.

Analyzing the Drivers Behind Los Angeles’ Falling Crime Rates

Criminologists will certainly be studying the various factors that could be contributing to Los Angeles’ recent declines in violent and property crime. While the exact drivers are yet to be determined, we can speculate on some of the potential influences based on crime trends over recent years.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout were associated with dramatic increases in homicide and aggravated assault rates nationwide in 2020 and 2021. As the acute impacts of the pandemic have attenuated, criminal violence may be reverting closer to pre-pandemic baselines.

Los Angeles has also implemented data-driven anti-gang initiatives over the past several years. Community-based violence intervention programs like Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) aim to reduce gang activity through localized deterrence strategies in the neighborhoods that need it most.

Recent inflationary pressures and rising gas prices may have also discouraged opportunistic property crimes like car thefts and robberies. Criminologists have previously associated economic recessions with temporary dips in acquisitive crimes.

Ongoing police reform efforts could additionally be playing a role in violence reduction. The LAPD has expanded its community policing programs, crisis intervention training, and alternative response options for situations involving those with mental illness. A reorientation away from confrontational enforcement may be helping improve community trust and cooperation.

Of course, crime rates naturally fluctuate from year to year and even week to week. But if Los Angeles’ current downward trajectory in homicides, shootings and other violent offenses can be sustained, it would mark a major accomplishment for public safety.

Translating Short-Term Crime Reductions Into Long-Term Community Benefits

While the LAPD’s latest crime statistics clearly warrant celebration, the city must channel that optimism into effective violence prevention policies. Without proactive efforts to address root causes, periodic progress can quickly reverse.

Los Angeles leaders should use this moment to evaluate what specific strategies may be working and double down on them. Bolstering community investment, youth engagement programs, crisis response infrastructure, and targeted deterrence of the most active offenders can help lock in the positive momentum.

Policymakers should also prepare contingency plans in case economic conditions, post-pandemic behavioral health challenges, or other external variables trigger recidivism among at-risk groups. Being caught flat-footed would squander the hard-fought security gains Los Angeles has achieved.

On the other hand, if the current diverse portfolio of social and situational crime prevention programs can yield sustained reductions, the benefits for communities would be immense. Years of additional life, health, and prosperity would be restored to neighborhoods most impacted by violent crime.

The best crime fighting strategy is preventing violence before it occurs in the first place. Los Angeles’ status as an enduring safe city will be determined by its ability to translate ephemeral statistical improvements into meaningful community impact.

Key Takeaways on Los Angeles’ Declining 2023 Crime Rates

To recap the top insights from the LAPD’s latest violent and property crime data:

• Violent crime down 2.4% and property crime down 3.3% year-to-date over 2023
• Homicides down 4.2% since mid-March, now just above 2023 rate
• Shooting victims down nearly 12% from 399 to 347
• Robberies spiking over 7 weeks but firearm robberies still dropping
• Motor vehicle thefts rising again after March/April declines
• Pandemic normalization, gang prevention, and crime deterrence may be slowing offenses
• Can temporary gains be solidified through continued community investment?

Los Angeles has made notable strides in reducing homicides, shootings and other serious crimes so far this year. But policymakers cannot take a victory lap yet. Sustaining and building upon fragile progress remains imperative going into the summer months when violence typically surges.

With strategic interventions rooted in community partnerships, Los Angeles has an opportunity to buck seasonal upward trends. But absent proactive prevention efforts, short-term declines could easily reverse. The fate of recent crime rate improvements now lies in the hands of policymakers and community leaders.

Through data-driven action, Los Angeles can turn the page on past crime waves and replace them with enduring neighborhood safety and wellbeing. That is the challenge and responsibility facing the city in the months ahead. I sincerely hope you find this “Violent and Property Crime Decrease in L.A? Safety Improvement?” article helpful.

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The Background

In 2020, the LAUSD school board voted 4-3 to ban police from campuses as part of the “School Climate Bill of Rights” resolution. This eliminated officers who were assigned to schools and cut funding for the LAUSD Police Department by 35%. However the department still investigates crimes, makes arrests, and responds to emergencies on campuses when necessary.

The Decision and Deployment

Citing a spike in school fights, weapons and other safety issues, Carvalho directed officers to be assigned to 20 middle and high schools from May 9th through the school year ending June 11th. Schools were chosen based on recent violent incidents on or near the campuses. Deputy Superintendent Pedro Salcido stated this met the parameters of the board’s 2020 resolution and was a temporary response to threats.

However, board members contend they were not informed of the effort beforehand. Board President Jackie Goldberg said she first learned of the deployment from the Los Angeles Times on May 11th, two days after it began. The board holds authority over district policy changes, putting Carvalho’s unilateral action on questionable grounds.

Additionally, communication issues added significant confusion. A memo from Carvalho to the board implied the plan was still under consideration when officers had already been assigned to schools that morning. An internal police memo naming the 20 schools and outlining officers’ on-campus duties had not been approved by district leadership. Deputy Chief Glenn Besunder soon clarified that officers would only be stationed on two campuses, conflicting with the memo.

Backlash and Criticisms

Students Deserve, an activist group against police presence in schools, strongly condemned Carvalho’s actions as unilateral and dismissive of student voices. They believe stationing police turns students into suspects and worsens school climate rather than making campuses safer. Parent leaders also felt the response did not properly address their concerns and demands for improved safety measures.

Board members questioned Carvalho’s authority and the lack of board approval. The conflicting information and ineffective communication surrounding the rapidly dissolving plan has also drawn criticism over its poor handling.

Looking Ahead

After just one day Goldberg confirmed the withdrawal is underway. The failed effort will likely lead to an open discussion between the board and superintendent over policy authority and public safety approaches. While campus conditions demanded urgent action, Carvalho bypassed established protocols causing the plan to collapse. Despite aims to protect students, overlooking key stakeholders shattered trust and community engagement—vital for effective solutions.

The board must reassert its governance role while improving transparency around safety decisions. Meanwhile, student and parent voices longing for safe, nurturing schools require inclusion. Through collaborative discussion and oversight the district can potentially craft widely-supported improvements backed by reliable data and community wisdom. If not, haphazard actions risk harming L.A.’s most vulnerable and losing their confidence. I sincerely hope you find this “LAUSD Police Withdrawal from 20 Schools Sparks Backlash and Confusion- What really Happened?” article helpful.

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Stacker recently compiled data from Yelp to determine the highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Los Angeles, looking at over 25 reviews and Yelp’s own ranking system. The results show 5 spots that diners and reviewers agree serve up LA’s tastiest pizza.

Bacari Silverlake

Topping the list is Bacari Silverlake, with a stellar 4.6-star rating over 2,726 reviews. This popular spot goes beyond just pizza, also serving up breakfast, brunch and New American small plates. However, their wood-fired pizzas steal the show, with creative toppings like honeyed fig, prosciutto and arugula winning over many Yelpers’ hearts and taste buds.

OSTE

In second place is OSTE with 4.7 stars over 881 reviews. Specializing in Italian cuisine, this restaurant charms guests with its warm, inviting ambiance and fantastic food. Their pizza features a perfect balance of chewy, blistered crust, bright tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. Diners say even their simplest margherita pie is outstanding.

Pizzeria Sei

For the third spot, Pizzeria Sei also impresses with a 4.7-star rating over 541 reviews. This fast-casual joint offers Roman-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven to achieve that quintessential crisp yet chewy crust. Yelpers recommend loading up on toppings like spicy soppressata, rapini and egg here.

786 Degrees

With a whopping 3,128 reviews and 4.7 stars, 786 Degrees takes the fourth spot. Known for Halal California-style pizzas, this restaurant offers pies with creative global fusion toppings as well as classic flavors. Customers love their perfect balance of crunch, chewiness and top-notch ingredients.

Chicago Stuffed Pizza

Rounding out the top 5 is Chicago Stuffed Pizza, which as the name suggests, specializes in deep-dish stuffed pies. Despite having fewer reviews at 358, this spot still earns an impressive 4.6 stars for its decadent, cheese-filled pizzas. Yelpers say this is the place to visit when craving authentic Chicago-style deep dish.

From classic margheritas to trendy fusion pies, Los Angeles offers no shortage of top-notch pizza for every preference. For your next pizza night, consider stopping by one of these 5 spots with stellar online ratings and rave reviews. With pizza this good, you’ll keep coming back for more slices! I sincerely hope you find this “Craving Pizza, Head to Los Angeles Top-Rated Spot, Voted Among the Top 5 by Diners” article helpful.

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