Decline in homicides: The trend continues

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Homicides remain slightly down this year compared to 2007, according to data from the Los Angeles Police Department. As of Oct. 11, there had been 291 homicides in the city, compared to 316 for that same period in 2007 -- and 374 in 2006.

The latest numbers confirm a trend that began last spring. While authorities worried about a uptick in homicides due in part to gang violence, the multi-year downward trend (though much of Chief William J. Bratton’s tenure as chief) appears to be continuing. Numbers from the summer suggest the decline in killing extends to some other parts of L.A. County.

Regional highlights:

77th Street Division: Down 5% from 2007.

Rampart Division: Down 6%.

Pacific Division: Up 167% (but the numbers are small: 8 so far this year, compared to 3 in 2007).

Newton Division: Down 13%

Van Nuys Division: Down 73% (3 homicides so far this year compared to 11 in 2007).

More stats are available on the LAPD website.

--Shelby Grad