Which Way, L.A.?
Lies, Damn Lies...and Police Statistics
The LAPD admits that it misreported serious offenses for at least eight years -- which made it appear that the rate of crime was declining faster than it really was. And LA’s not the only place where misreporting goes on. It was good PR at the time, but what has the revelation done to public confidence now and for the future?
By Warren Olney • • 7m ListenFrom 2005 until 2012, the Los Angeles Police Department reported some 14,000 serious crimes as minor — making it look as if the rate of crime was falling faster than it really was: 7% faster for violent crime, 16% faster for cases of serious assault. The LAPD has confirmed a report by the LA Times, saying it’s concerned about public confidence. We get perspective from a criminologist and a community activist.
Photo: Bill Bratton speaking at a seminar on his new book, Collaborate or Perish! Lessons for Politics, Business and Public Services, April 24, 2012. (Policy Exchange)
