Crime Decrease
The drop in rates of homicide and violent crime in Los Angeles is indeed impressive (Dec. 29).
Your reporter cites law enforcement efforts, the economy and sentencing laws as possible reasons for the decrease. However, a very important piece of the effort is not mentioned. The community efforts toward reducing violence and violent crime are certainly noteworthy. Collaborative efforts have been in place in most of the cities with dramatic decreases in violence since the late 1980s or the early ‘90s.
These community collaboratives involve all segments of the community including law enforcement, community-based organizations, public health, the faith community and business.
You are right that there is no single answer, but communities working together can work wonders and they do. Despite the decrease, we must continue to work toward the time when no child or adult is killed by violence in Los Angeles.
BILLIE P. WEISS
Director, Violence Prevention
Coalition of Greater Los Angeles
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