Los Angeles County Sheriff Reports Crime Drop, Highlighting Technology and Community Initiatives

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) achieved a notable reduction in serious crimes during 2024, with homicides falling by nearly 15 percent and overall major crimes decreasing by more than 2 percent across its jurisdiction.

LASD recorded 181 homicides in 2024, down from 212 the previous year, according to year-end statistics released by the department’s information bureau.

Despite persistent staffing shortages, homicide investigators maintained a nearly 60 percent case clearance rate through extensive witness interviews and close collaboration with the LA County District Attorney’s Office.

Throughout 2024, the department’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center leveraged federal partnerships and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to address firearm violence throughout the jurisdiction.

Its specialized Burglary Robbery Task Force partnered with the LA Police Department to dismantle a residential burglary ring responsible for 33 break-ins throughout the year.

A specialized cargo theft unit, Cargo Cats, recovered $1.2 million in stolen copper and materials, while the department’s organized retail crime unit recovered more than $29 million in stolen merchandise and apprehended 600 suspects.

Auto theft investigators recovered over 2,100 stolen vehicles valued at more than $40 million and made 176 arrests, while working with Hyundai to implement software updates preventing theft.

The department’s homeless outreach team resolved 327 encampments without any use of force incidents, removing more than 15,400 cubic yards of debris and helping place 1,019 people in temporary housing through the Pathway Home program. The program, launched in August 2023, has removed 655 dilapidated recreational vehicles from County streets.

“As we close out 2024, I am proud of the dedication and hard work that our personnel have accomplished in keeping our community safe,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “In partnership with the community, we’ve made our streets safer, built stronger relationships with our stakeholders, pursued justice for victims, and ensured that our community remains a place where everyone can thrive.”

The department also expanded its technological capabilities by opening its first real-time watch center with automated license plate recognition cameras at the Lost Hills/Malibu Station and deploying new Taser devices with extended 45-foot range.

LASD is addressing transportation challenges by acquiring 20 new inmate buses to supplement its fleet, where currently only 13 of 73 buses remain in service.

The year-end report said through November, the department’s 23 patrol stations had seized almost 2,200 firearms while strengthening community ties through neighborhood watch groups, town hall meetings, and Coffee-with-a-Cop events.