Statistics have clearly shown a significant increase in the crime rate in the first six months of 2015. By that, the L.A.P.D. will deploy more officers to corner the hot spots. It is quite notable that the city has enjoyed a sharp decline in the crime rate since the year 2003. Shockingly, the first half of the year 2015 witnessed a 12.7% rise in crime. Various members of the society have suggested some measures to counter it.
Firstly, the Los Angeles’ mayor and the police chief have cited a few factors that may have contributed to the increase. One of the reasons is the escalation in homelessness. Additionally, they mentioned gang violence. Further, Prop 47 was mentioned as a possible culprit. It reduced thefts under $1000, as well as all felony drug possession to misdemeanors. According to the L.A.P.D., violent offenses registered a 20.6% rise. On the other hand, property crime saw a 10.9% increase. The increases in the both offenses are driven by the growth in thefts and burglaries.
Mentioning the swell in crime rate statistics is never worth it until strategies are laid in place. Luckily, in speaking of curbing or reducing of the escalating number, the Police Chief mentioned some measures. He announced that over 200 highly trained officers should be deployed to the high-crime neighborhoods. Additionally, he confirmed the creation of various policies to employ in the hope of reducing the menace. Such systems include problem-oriented, intelligence-led, community, and hot spot policing.
The rise in crime rate in Los Angeles does not come by surprise. Using an analytical point of view, there are many factors that contribute. The low-wage income disparity has made barrio and ghetto life more desperate. As a result, crime escalates. Additionally, Los Angeles housing has turned out to be the most expensive in the USA. It has led to overcrowded homes or even homelessness, at its worst. All these serve as good incubators of hopelessness as well as criminal behavior. In a nutshell, solving these and other problems facing the L.A. people can mean a decline in the crime rate.