For the first time in over a decade, reports of violent crime in Los Angeles are up. The Los Angeles Times reports that, compared with the first half of 2013, reports of violent crime are up 2.9% for the first half of 2014. Prior to this uptick, the city had seen 11 consecutive declines in semi-annual violent crime reports. While the reports of violent crimes have increased, the LAPD and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti assert that, overall, crime is at a historic low. But, in what officers are calling a troubling sign, aggravated assaults have dramatically increased. Aggravated assaults are up 12% compared to the first half of 2013.
Gang-related crimes, homicide and property crimes are all down. Aggravated assaults, the mayor says, may appear to have increased because of "more aggressive reporting." Thus, the mayor implies, crime may not have necessarily increased.
Simple assaults may have been classified as aggravated assaults as well in the recent report. Simple assault, also referred to as "assault," may not involve any physical harm at all. The threat and ability to cause physical harm is all this is necessary for an assault to be alleged. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, infers that injury actually occurred and battery can be charged or the threat of particularly serious physical injury was present. Aggravated assault may involve a weapon or an object that might be used as a weapon. Whether or not this increase in reports of violent crime is an anomaly or a norm remains to be seen.