So I have felt that I perhaps have been neglecting this blog a bit in recent weeks and only talking about some off-topic subjects, so I want to shift the focus back onto LA a bit. I was reading the LA Times online today and randomly found perhaps the websites most interesting feature: its updated daily Homicide Map!
Not only does this "map" show where all 629 homicides in LA County occured over the past year, but many other details are provided. Pictures (if they could find them)are included, as well as details such as Age, Gender, Cause of Death, and my personal favorite, Race.
Apparently, Sunday is the day to most be on the lookout, as about twice as many deaths occured on Sunday compared to other days of the week, with Saturday coming in at a distant second. Thankfully there is a handy bar graph to visualize all of these facts.
It also looks like more homicides occur during the summer months. Anyone have any ideas why? The heat? Boredom?
I wonder how many of these homicide maps there are in other newspapers across the country.
I also wonder where LA ranks in term of most murderous cities in America. I'm sure the data is out there, does anyone know?
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Wow, I didn't know something like that existed. Kind of reminds me of the first time I visited the California government's website that would list registered sex offenders who lived around you.
I believe the homicide map is connected to LA Times police reporter Jill Leovy's blog and writings. I know murder is a pretty morbid topic, but Leovy is a fantastic writer and produces amazing obituaries and pieces that really shed light on how senseless violence impacts communities.
Here's the link for the blog:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/homicidereport/
it's interesting though, we're supposed to be expereincing a record-breaking decline in crimes and homicides...something that hasn't happened in LA since a few decades ago. villaraigosa claims this is the result of his push to increase LAPD forces.
but i have read this section a couple of times in the past and it is pretty chilling. as far as the higher homicide rates during the summer season, my guess would be that many LAUSD schools are on break. yes, gang members (which many of them begin from elementary school all the way to high school) still attend schools...though absent most of the time, they eventually drop out. but, again that's just a guess.
oh, and almost forgot. i believe that just in the past year or so the LAPD had decided to publish a map of gang territories and related crime/homicide patterns in the LA Times. on the one hand, the LAPD wanted to intimidate local gangs by making public all of their whereabouts and activities. but on the other, this plan actually backfired. the publicity seemingly commended gangs for their "work"....which turned into a competition in between rival gangs to out do one another and get the space and recognition for their accomplishments in print. i believe that these maps do not run in the times now. yay LAPD!
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