LAPD Credits Community For Plunge In LA Neighborhood Homicides
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police on Thursday credited stronger community ties for a dramatic drop in homicides in one of the most violent neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports the LAPD's 77th Street division averaged 130 murders per year in the late 80's and early 90's — but not anymore.
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While homicides have dropped significantly in the 12-square-mile area south of the 10 Freeway and west of the 110 Freeway, they may be heading to a new low in 2011.
"Last year at 36, I didn't think it was possible that we would push those numbers down further," said LAPD South Bureau Commander Robert Green. "Today we sit at a 48 percent reduction year-to-date."
Through the end of August, there have been 15 homicides in the division, a number Green said speaks to the success they've had with the community.
"People are mobilizing and coming forward and not being afraid to talk to detectives and giving them valuable information about crimes that have been committed," he said.
In addition to improved outreach efforts, Green also he lauded efforts by federal law enforcement officials to cut down on murders and violent crime in the area.
