LAPD Beefs Up Patrols In Troubled Areas In Effort To Combat Spike In Violent Crime

ELYSIAN PARK (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Police Department is boosting its presence in troubled neighborhoods in response to a spike violent crime.

"It's areas where we've had specifically high increases in violent crime," LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Downing said. "That's what we're focused on [is] violent crime."

The officers are all members of the LAPD Metropolitan Division.

"You figure there's going to be probably 10 more, 15 more cars in an area. That's gonna help the neighborhood. It's gonna help with community policing," LAPD Officer Andre Rainey said.

In the past, both LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Mayor Eric Garcetti have said they cannot explain the spike in crime, especially with respect to aggravated assault.

However, both have vowed to take action.

These extra units, the LAPD says, will be on the streets every day for as long as it takes.

"This will go for as long as the chief says it'll go, and it'll go for sure as long as we are continuing to drive crime down," Downing said.