2023 Homicide Report
2023 Crime & Initiatives
2023 Homicides
Citywide Homicides & Fatal Traffic Crashes
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) revealed the City’s 2023 crime statistics during a press conference held at Police Headquarters on January 24, 2024. Below you will find some key takeaways from the report as well as a link to the full report:
CRIME STATISTICS
Homicides
In 2023, there were 327 homicides, which was a 17% reduction in homicides as compared to 2022. All geographic bureaus within the LAPD saw a reduction in homicides.
• Operations-South Bureau experienced the largest decease at 23% fewer homicides in 2023 as compared to 2022.
• The homicide clearance rate Citywide average was at 76% with Operations-West Bureau leading the Department at a 95% clearance rate. Operations-South Bureau had an 81% clearance rate followed by Operations-Valley Bureau at 80% and Operations-Central Bureau at a 64% clearance rate.
Violent Crimes
Citywide violent crimes showed a 3.2% decrease in 2023 compared to 2022; however, Citywide Part 1 Crimes showed a 1.9% increase from 2022. Citywide, there was a decrease of 10% (-127) in victims shot in 2023 compared to 2022.
• Operations-Central Bureau had the largest decrease of 14% (-65) in victims shot in 2023 compared to 2022.
• A catalyst to this decrease in shooting victims was in part to 8,154 firearms seized by the LAPD. The LAPD identified 1,232 of those seized as “ghost guns.” This is 474 fewer than the 1,706 ghost guns identified in 2022, a decrease of 28%.
Property Crimes and Thefts
The Citywide property crimes statistics showed a 3.5% increase in 2023. Motor vehicle thefts increased by 2% as compared to 2022 with Kia vehicles accounting for 17% of the total and Hyundai vehicles accounting for 13% of total vehicle thefts.
Citywide thefts increased by 16%, which included 137 “flash robberies” that occurred within the City. The Organized Retail Theft Task Force was implemented on August 21, 2023.
• Since its inception, the task force has contributed to a 33% reduction in flash robberies compared to the time period prior to the task force.
• Since August 2023, the task force has conducted 109 search warrants.
• The task force effected 128 arrests and recovered 15 firearms.
• The task force has recovered over $150,000 in stolen property.
Traffic
For the first time in nine years, the City had more deaths as a result of traffic crashes than homicides. The majority of crashes that caused fatalities are attributed to irresponsible and illegal acts behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or some other intoxicating substance, driving at speeds which are inherently unsafe, and driving while distracted by texting or other means are all too often the causes of these traffic crash-related deaths.
• Felony hit and run traffic crashes resulting in a death increased by 23%.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)-related crashes resulting in death increased by 32% percent.
• Traffic crashes where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle resulting in a death increased by almost 13%.
The LAPD has incorporated several goals focusing on traffic safety into our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. These goals include efforts to expand public education on safe and responsible driving practices and to address dangerous driving behavior through focused enforcement and DUI check points.
Ultimately, 2023 underscored another year in the LAPD’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the diverse communities we serve. The integration of advanced technologies and innovations in field operations further enhanced our enforcement and engagement efforts while upholding our organizational accountability to the public. Through effective and comprehensive training, we will continue to reinforce successful crime reduction strategies while adapting our approach to combat ever-evolving crime trends.
Our journey, earmarked with positive organizational transformations, will always be paved with purpose, compassion, and partnership as we continue to lead the nation in 21st Century policing with comprehensive training, strong community safety partnerships, and dedicated service with integrity.
To view the complete report, please visit:
https://www.lapdonline.org/lapd-homicide-victims2023/