LAPD Chief of Police Vows to Tackle Crime-Ridden South Central LA

"LAPD Chief of Police Vows to Tackle Crime-Ridden South Central LA"
 

Los Angeles: Vowing to strike crime where it is most prevalent, Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Police William J. Bratton, on November 13, 2002, summoned a meeting with key members of his command staff, including staff officers from Operations South Bureau. Chief Bratton directed this team to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the growing concern over the rise in violent crimes in the South Central portion of Los Angeles, encompassing 77th Street, Southwest, Southeast, and Newton Areas.
As of November 9, 2002, there has been an almost 8 percent rise in violent crimes, over the same period last year, in the South Bureau Area. This compares with a 0.5 percent increase in Central Bureau, a 1.3 percent DECREASE in Valley Bureau and a 1.5 percent DECREASE in West Bureau. Of the 570 homicides that have occurred in the City of Los Angeles thus far this year, 265 of them have occurred in the four identified areas of concern; 77th Street, Southwest, Southeast and Newton.
Since becoming Chief of Police, Chief Bratton has brought attention to, and expressed grave concern over, the rise in violent crimes in the City; most notably the South Central portion of Los Angeles. Among other things, he has ordered that immediate notification be made to him, on ALL homicides that occur in the City.
The team, identified by Chief Bratton to develop this strategic plan, will begin work immediately, and develop a sustained action plan to address this growing concern. The Department will adopt a multi-agency approach, including Federal, State, County and local entities. Chief Bratton commented, "I am committed to using the collective resources of the law enforcement community to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Los Angeles."
This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace E. Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section.