A decline in homicides

After rising nearly 40% earlier this year, killings in the city of Los Angeles have fallen below last year's levels, according to LAPD statistics.

The Los Angeles Police Department said there were 204 killings in 2008 as of today, four fewer than the 208 slayings reported over the same period last year. That represented a 2% decline overall, Sgt. Ruby Malichi said.

-Andrew Blankstein/ LAT

Comments

[Anthony]

How is this news? Out of 204 homicides this year, that's only 4 more less than last year at the same time. I'd say that's pretty equal?

Do reporters really think a 4 person difference is news? Or that to be equal there has to be exactly the same number year to date?

I'm frankly surprised how ridiculously similar the numbers are! (204 vs 208)

Told you people were going nuts over the earlier rise...crime trends go up and down...look at the big picture.

[R]

the homicide reports says 397 slaying so far this year.

so what's counted as a homicide?

[Avanti1]

Through July 21, there were 220 US deaths in Iraq due to both hostile and non-hostile causes. Compare this to the 204 homicides in Los Angeles reported in this article and the 406 homicides in Los Angeles County reported on the LA Times homicide map website.

Instead of being proud that homicides in Los Angeles have not gone up, our officeholders and government employees need to acknowledge that we have a HUGE PROBLEM in Los Angeles and begin to define real solutions.

The media must make people aware of the relative failure of local law enforcement relative to the military successes in Iraq. It is time for local action, not spin.

[missin linq]

are they serious?four less than last year!and they actually pay someone to figure that statistic.i cant be the only one that sees they are missing the point,people are dying here in los angeles violently.all these so called intervention groups getting all this founding,where are they?the so called leaders always parade around after the fact...the police force picks and choose when they feel is a good time to crack down on crime.this is a everyday problem that needs everyday hands on salutions.ive read all your comments on this blog and honestly believe WE can run this city better than they are doing...........

[Tony]

I read the other day that south Los Angeles wants to stop any new fast food restaurants from opening. The city council is concerned with the people's health. What a joke. Why don't they worry about all the gang bangers running around killing people either as targets or innocent by standers. Like all the little children getting killed. Make a law that if you are in a gang, you are taken off the streets in and in jail. One child's life saved would be worth all the taggers and bangers gone. Have some guts. Get rid of the human garbage.

[michael ryston]

Avanti1........

The relative failure of law enforcement? You are kidding right? It is readily apparent that you are another one of those armchair quarterbacks who render opinions based on fantasy.

I challenge you to defend your opinion. Please cite some facts supporting your argument that law enforcement in Los Angeles County is a failure. If you are able to produce some logical explanation, then, please be so kind as to offer some solutions.

The fact that crime exists, and is out of control in some areas is not indicative of failure on the part of law enforcement. What it does indicate, is a failure on the part of parents, and the community in general to do their part to raise their children to do something else besides join a gang, or become involved in criminal activity.

Looking forward to your response.

[Robert Ryder]

I guess this statistic goes out the window now. There have already been four murders since this was printed/posted...DOH!

[SICCOFIT]

HI...JUST WONDERING, WHERE ARE YOU ALL TAKING COUNT? ARE U KIDDING ME?