Statement on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Reporting in Immigrant Communities NR18122ra

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department recognizes the importance of tracking and analyzing data, and continuing to find new ways to ensure that victims and witnesses feel safe coming to the LAPD to report crimes.

The national political climate has had an impact on the relationship we share with our immigrant communities, causing fear of the police and anxiety that if someone were to report a crime, they could face civil immigration actions, such as deportation.

Chief Beck was very aware that immediately following the Presidential election and subsequent inauguration, there would be an impact on our immigrant communities, including new fears of deportation for those who are undocumented and their families.

Chief Beck made it clear from the onset that the Department’s position regarding Special Order 40 would remain unchanged.

That is why, immediately following the inauguration, Chief Beck directed affirmative City-wide outreach initiatives within our communities to mitigate fears and build trust.

One year ago, as of April 30, 2017, we saw that sexual assault reporting was down 13.7% citywide, and 23.5% in our Hispanic community. Domestic violence reporting was down 4.3% citywide, and 8.1% in our Hispanic community.

As of December, 2017, the reporting gap between the Hispanic community and citywide for sexual assaults went from nearly 10% to under 4%, and the reporting gap for Domestic Violence went from 3.8% to a difference of only 0.4%.

With the leadership of Chief Beck and our Police Commission, we will continue our community outreach efforts to build trust and ensure that our message continues to be heard.