Readers React: A year after Prop. 47 passes, crime goes up in L.A. Big surprise.

To the editor: It is no surprise that there has been an increase in crime. For that, we can thank the passage of AB 109 in 2011 and Proposition 47 in 2014. (“Crime in Los Angeles rose in all categories in 2015, LAPD says,” Dec. 30)

Proponents of these laws said passing them would save the state money. The reality, however, is that the criminals these laws helped release are back on the street committing crimes.

In Manhattan Beach alone, according to statements by police Chief Eve Irvine at a public forum last February, since AB 109 passed, police in this city made 55 arrests attributable to the law that seeks to reduce the prison population.

What is the incentive for criminals not to commit more offenses?

Neil Snow, Manhattan Beach

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To the editor: Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Michel Moore would like to pat local residents on the head and assure them that the city is not “on fire” despite increased crime.

Besides the condescending arrogance of Moore’s comments, the division overseen by him has been caught misclassifying crime and police action to suppress the real prevalence of crime in Los Angeles. It would seem that the “house” managed by Moore is indeed on fire.

Maybe Chief Charlie Beck should assign Moore some street patrol duty at night to get confirmation of what violent assault and personal property crime really is and why the citizens can no longer tolerate any aspect of poor police work.

Thomas Parker, La Cañada Flintridge

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