Violent Crime Up 16 Percent In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Violent crime in Los Angeles spiked nearly 16 percent during the first half of this year compared with the same time last year, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Statistics released Friday by the LAPD showed the number of homicides were up by 3.1 percent, from 130 to 134 and the number of shooting victims rose by 1.3 percent, from 537 to 544. Property crimes also increased by 3.8 percent. Overall, Los Angeles saw a 6.3 percent hike in crime in the past 12 months.

The "year to date" figures covered the period from Jan. 1 through July 16.

The statistics were released by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at a news conference.

Beck also released the results of a survey of about 2,000 Angelenos that measured their "perceptions of safety and fear of crime" and other feelings about police-related topics. He said it was important to measure "public trust… not just crime numbers."

According to the department's survey, 70 percent of residents "feel somewhat or very safe walking alone in their neighborhood at night." Fifty-seven percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that Los Angeles is safer compared to other large cities."

As for satisfaction with police services, 73 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that officers treat residents in a fair and courteous manner." The survey also found that 69 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that LAPD officers are honest and trustworthy" and 84 percent of residents "agree or strongly agree that LAPD officers conduct themselves in a professional manner."

Garcetti said the surveys would be conducted at least once a year, "preferably quarterly," to help measure levels of public trust.

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