LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Overall crime in the city of Los Angeles declined in 2024, with homicides dropping 14% and shooting victims decreasing by 19%, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell announced Monday.

Mayor Karen Bass joined McDonnell and members of the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners at a news conference Monday at Hollenbeck Division in Boyle Heights, where they noted the location was fitting to announce the milestone, as homicides in that neighborhood dropped by 65% last year.

"While we recognize this progress, we remain committed to sustaining these reductions and ensuring that every resident feels safe in their home, on their street and in their community," Bass said. "Public safety is my top priority, and the city of Los Angeles will continue to take bold steps to keep crime down and hold those who commit crime accountable."

Key findings of the LAPD's data showed the following in 2024 compared to 2023:

-- Homicide cases decreased 14% (-47);

-- Victims shot cases decreased by approximately 19% (-225);

-- LAPD secured 7,634 illegal firearms, including 790 ghost guns;

-- Rape, robbery and aggravated assault, also known as violent crimes, decreased by 2,586 cases (30,574 person/violent Crimes in 2023);

-- Aggravated assault cases decreased by 2,371 (20,042 aggravated assaults in 2023);

-- Rape cases decreased by 97 (1,505 rapes in 2023);

-- Robberies remained just about flat with 8,637 cases (8,696 robberies in 2023)

McDonnell added that LAPD's 2024 crime data reflected their commitment to public safety and the strength of community partnerships.

"While we celebrate this progress, there is still work to be done and we realize if you were a crime victim these numbers may not carry weight. We hear you," McDonnell added. "The LAPD remains committed to ensuring every resident feels safe in their neighborhood. Together, we will continue driving these numbers in the right direction as we look ahead to the rest of 2025."

Meanwhile, data showed a decline in both property crimes and traffic collisions. According to the LAPD, officers made hundreds of arrests related to organized retail theft and motor vehicle crimes.

The department recovered more than $36 million in stolen merchandise through the regional Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Additionally, officers arrested more than 100 suspects in connection with copper wire theft as part of the Heavy Metal Task Force, which targets crimes related to metal theft.

LAPD data also showed the following:

-- Citywide property crimes -- which includes burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicle and theft -- decreased by 7,259 cases (109,025 property crimes in 2023);

-- Burglaries decreased by 1,092 cases (15,340 burglaries in 2023);

-- Motor vehicle thefts (MVT) decreased by 1,963 cases (26,827 MVTs in 2023);

-- Theft from motor vehicle (TFMV) decreased by 3,988 cases (30,788 TFMVs in 2023); and

-- Thefts decreased by 216 cases (36,070 thefts in 2023).

Although traffic safety remained a challenge in 2024, the police chief noted that fatal felony hit-and-run collisions dropped by nearly 6.5%, with nine fewer cases compared to 2023.

Collisions involving driving under the influence declined by 36.7%, or 11 cases, while fatal vehicle-versus-pedestrian collisions decreased by 7%, or 13 cases, during the same period.

The department formally transitioned its data collection process to the new National Incident Based Reporting System, also known as NIBRS. Police departments across the country are aligning with the latest national reporting standard policies as mandated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the LAPD, the new system captures data on all offenses within a single crime, providing a more comprehensive view of crime. NIBRS provides details on victim and offender demographics, relationships and presence of weapons.

Data on person and property crime statistics are a combination of the Summary Reporting System and NIBRS standards, while homicide and shooting victim figures are manually counted, McDonnell said.

As part of efforts to reduce crime, Bass touted the city's alternative response programs, including the Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program and the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-Led Engagement initiative.

Each program plays a role in improving safety throughout L.A.'s neighborhoods. For example, the CIRCLE program deploys a team of public health experts that respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Bass said "this approach is absolutely making a difference."

The LAPD is focused on recruitment and retention with the goal of adding sworn personnel in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

McDonnell explained it's been difficult to recruit post-2020 due to the political climate and shifting public perceptions of police. He noted the department is ``starting to see a transition" and has seen increased interest in recruitment.

The LAPD is investigating a whistleblower complaint alleging racism and discrimination within its Recruitment and Employment Division. The complaint claims that some applicants faced discrimination during the hiring process.

The chief has stated the investigation is being taken ``very seriously" and pledged that appropriate action will be taken.

Bill Handel