Topline:
Police Chief Michel Moore said Wednesday that Los Angeles saw a roughly 3% reduction in violent crime in 2023 over the previous year. According to the department, there were 17% fewer homicides in the city in 2023 than in 2022.
Traffic woes: According to the LAPD’s 2023 Crime and Initiatives Report, L.A. saw a “new and disturbing trend” in 2023 when it comes to traffic deaths. For the first time in a decade, L.A. saw more fatalities resulting from traffic crashes than homicides, according to the department.
Perception: Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Moore said while the numbers show that violent crime was down last year, “the perception of safety remains a concern across this great city.” Moore attributed part of that perception to an increase in robberies involving firearms and said the department would work to fight illegal gun trafficking.
What about police shootings? Moore said the LAPD’s full 2023 report on officer use-of-force would be released by March 1, which will include police shootings. Moore said there were 34 shootings by LAPD officers last year, up from 31 in 2022.
