LOS ANGELES >> Los Angeles leaders are touting the latest batch of crime data as proof that the city is safe and getting safer — at least on paper.

Homicides declined roughly 14% in the city last year compared with 2023, while 225 fewer people were struck by gunfire citywide in the same period, according to figures released Monday.

The total number of homicides fell by 47 in areas patrolled by the LAPD, with the San Fernando Valley seeing the largest percentage decrease of the department’s four geographical bureaus, with a 28% decline in slayings last year from 2023.

City and police officials attributed the declines to programs aimed at some of the city’s historically troubled housing developments. Areas where the LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership and the mayor’s gang intervention office “have taken proactive measures to engage residents” saw a 40% reduction in homicides, the city said in a statement.

Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell held a news conference Monday morning to trumpet the anti-violence initiatives.

“This progress is the direct result of the tireless work of our law enforcement officers, community leaders and residents who have come together to build a safer, stronger city,” Bass said in a statement. “While we recognize this progress, we remain committed to sustaining these reductions and ensuring that every resident feels safe in their home, on their street and in their community.”

McDonnell called the dwindling homicide and shooting numbers a reflection of “the impact of our ongoing commitment to public safety and the strength of our partnerships with the community.”

Officials also pointed to successful efforts to stem the flow of illegal guns onto city streets. Authorities seized roughly 7,600 firearms last year, and said one out of every 10 was an unregistered “ghost gun.” Shootings were down roughly 19% last year from 2023, according to the latest data.

The numbers reported Monday differed only slightly from ones Bass and McDonnell highlighted in December as evidence of public safety improvements.

Distributed by Tribune News Service