Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department announced that celebratory gunfire hit an all-time low on New Year’s Eve 2005.
Only 145 reports were made to the police 9-1-1 center in 2005, compared to the 376 reported in 2004, a reduction of 61 percent. Officers made nine arrests for shooting in the air, across the city. They made 21 other gun arrests, for the period between 6 PM and 3 AM New Year’s Day. Officers seized 13 guns.
“It’s gratifying that more people are getting the message,” said Chief William J. Bratton. “The public campaign is working, and we’ll continue to get the guns out the hands of criminals and irresponsible persons.”
RECENT STATISTICS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE GUN FIRE
2002
2003
2004
2005
Shots Fired Calls
519
365
376
145
Shooting in the Air Arrests
12
6
9
9
Other gun arrests
15
10
16
21
Guns seized
27
17
30
13