Los Angeles Homicide Rate Plummets to Lowest Since 1950s

LAPD reports significant declines in homicides, shootings, and other crimes in 2025

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Los Angeles Police Department announced that the city's homicide rate in 2025 plummeted to the lowest level in over seven decades, with a 19% decrease in homicide deaths compared to 2024. The number of shooting victims also declined by 8% during the same period. The LAPD credited new initiatives, such as the Drone as a First Responder program and the Real-Time Crime Center, for helping to reduce crime across the city.

Why it matters

The significant drop in homicides and shootings in Los Angeles is a positive development for public safety and community well-being. It suggests that the LAPD's efforts to combat violent crime, including the use of new technologies, are having a measurable impact. However, the increase in homeless-related and gang-related homicides remains a concern that will require continued attention and targeted interventions.

The details

According to the LAPD's annual review, the city saw 230 homicides in 2025, down from 284 in 2024. The number of shooting victims also declined from 981 in 2024 to 899 in 2025. The LAPD's Drone as a First Responder program, which was expanded to five locations in 2025, was credited with resolving 135 calls for service before officers arrived, freeing up patrol resources for higher priority needs. The department's Real-Time Crime Center, which integrates camera systems, license plate readers, and analytic platforms, also played a role in reducing crime.

  • In 2025, Los Angeles saw a 19% decrease in homicide deaths compared to 2024.
  • The number of shooting victims in Los Angeles declined by 8% from 2024 to 2025.
  • The LAPD's Drone as a First Responder program was expanded to five locations by November 2025, conducting 1,779 flights and resolving 135 calls for service before officers arrived.

The players

Jim McDonnell

The Los Angeles Police Department Chief.

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which announced the significant declines in homicides, shootings, and other crimes in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I go back to 1993, our highest year, we had almost 1,100 homicides in the city of LA. The reduction there of 75-plus percent is something we should be celebrating and building on.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The LAPD plans to further integrate its Drone as a First Responder program with the Real-Time Crime Center technology to continue enhancing its crime-fighting capabilities.

The takeaway

The significant decline in Los Angeles' homicide rate and other violent crimes is a positive development for the city, demonstrating the effectiveness of the LAPD's efforts to combat crime through the use of new technologies and targeted initiatives. However, the increase in homeless-related and gang-related homicides remains a concern that will require ongoing attention and intervention.