Mid-year crime status

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Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief William Bratton, pictured left, announced a 7.2% reduction in violent crime in the city -- with the exception of homicides -- at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, July 2, in El Sereno.

Overall there was a 50% reduction in violent crime since 2002, according to the Los Angeles Police Department’s crime statistics. ‘These crime statistics paint a picture of progress for our communities,’ Villaraigosa told reporters and residents at the Barrio Action Youth and Family Center.

But homicides have risen by 4.3% this year so far. There were 193 homicides during the first six months, compared to 185 in the same period last year. Bratton blamed the increase on gang violence and multiple killings early in the year. Bratton said he expects the homicide rate to decrease because of the recent low rate in gang violence, 15.3% this year so far, with an overall 30% decrease from 2002.

Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger said gang violence accounts for 77% of the homicides in Los Angeles. Paysinger said there are about 400 gangs in the city. According to the crime statistics, gang-related homicides dropped by 13.5%, gang-related shootings decreased by 34.5% and victims of gang-shootings have decreased by 21.7%.

The LAPD’s South Bureau, which oversees operations in 77th Street, Southwest and Southeast areas, has a 77% clearance rate for its homicide cases, as opposed to 49% from last year, Villaraigosa added.

‘The message we’re sending to gangs is that you’re going to be targeted by us, the ATF and the feds,’ Bratton said. ‘And we’re going to come after you.’