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Los Angeles, CA (August 15, 2024) — The LAPD’s drug crime data for the first half of 2024 paints a stark picture of the city’s ongoing struggle with drug offenses. With 2,902 recorded drug crimes from January through June, the data reveals who is being arrested, where these crimes are concentrated, and the nature of the offenses.
Key Findings From the 2024 LAPD Drug Crime Data:
- Rampart Leads in Drug Arrests: The Rampart area alone accounts for 15.09% of all drug crimes.
- Gender Disparity: Men make up over 66% of those arrested.
- Methamphetamine Dominates: The most common arrest is for methamphetamine possession, making up 26.3% of all drug crimes.
A Closer Look at the Dataset
This study is based on LAPD’s arrest data from January 1 to June 30, 2024, offering a detailed view of drug-related crime across Los Angeles. We isolated the dataset to 140 unique drug charges. With 2,902 arrests logged, the dataset covers a wide range of offenses, from simple possession to serious trafficking crimes. It offers a raw look at the state of drug crime in the city, exposing trends that should inform law enforcement and policy.
Top Insights From the Data
Rampart: The Hotspot for Drug Crimes
Rampart recorded 438 drug-related arrests, the highest of any area, accounting for 15.09% of the city’s total. This is nearly double the number in Central LA, which had the second-highest count at 230.
Wilshire: The Least Affected
In stark contrast, Wilshire saw only 47 drug arrests, making up just 1.62% of the total. This suggests a dramatic disparity in drug crime rates across different areas of Los Angeles, highlighting the need for tailored law enforcement strategies.
Gender Disparity in Arrests
The data shows a notable gender disparity: men were arrested for drug crimes nearly twice as often as women, with 66.16% of arrests involving male suspects. This pattern raises questions about the underlying social and economic factors driving this divide.
Men are more likely to commit drug crimes because of addiction and the limited ways they have to make money, while women might turn to sex work. Over the past 10-20 years, the internet has made it easier for people, especially younger ones, to find drugs and get involved in drug activities. This shows that while there's no way to completely stop it, better education and more rehab programs can help prevent it.
The Age Factor: 31-40-Year-Olds Most at Risk
Individuals aged 31 to 40 were the most frequently arrested, with 1,051 arrests in this age group, representing 36.2% of all drug crimes. This age range is followed by those aged 21 to 30, who accounted for 773 arrests.
Methamphetamine: The Leading Drug in Possession Crimes
Possession of methamphetamine, classified under HS Code 11377, was the most common offense, with 762 arrests, accounting for over a quarter of all drug crimes.
Serious Crimes Concentrated in Specific HS Codes
Serious drug offenses were most often associated with HS Code 11379 (transportation and sale of methamphetamine), with 203 arrests. Other significant HS Codes include 11378 (possession for sale of methamphetamine), and 11370.1 (possession of a controlled substance while armed). These codes highlight the seriousness of the drug trade in LA and the lethal combination of drugs and firearms.
Marijuana-Related Crimes Are Minimal
Only 5.07% of all drug arrests were related to marijuana offenses. The low number of arrests for marijuana-related crimes indicates shifting law enforcement priorities and changing public behavior in light of legalization.
The Older Population: A Surprising Trend in Serious Crimes
Interestingly, older adults (51 and over) are more likely to be involved in serious drug offenses. Among those over 50, 45.5% of arrests were for serious crimes, compared to just 27.9% for those under 50. This trend suggests that older individuals involved in drug crimes might be more deeply entrenched in criminal activities.
Top Areas After Rampart
Following Rampart, the areas with the highest number of drug crimes are Central (230), Devonshire (223), North Hollywood (218), and Hollywood (194).
Patterns in Possession Crimes Beyond Methamphetamine
Beyond methamphetamine, other common possession crimes included possession of drug paraphernalia (HS Code 11364, with 431 arrests) and possession of controlled substances without a prescription (HS Code 11350, with 386 arrests).
Potential Limitations
While this data provides valuable insights, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. The dataset covers only the first six months of 2024 and reflects reported arrests, not all drug-related activity. It also doesn't track the outcomes of these arrests, such as whether charges were dropped or resulted in convictions. These factors should be considered when interpreting the findings. There may also be disparities and differences with how different precincts report the data.
The LAPD may try to create a sense of safety by limiting what the public sees, but the reality is that crime is spiking, and there's a lot more happening beneath the surface.
The 2024 LAPD drug crime data offers a revealing glimpse into the ongoing battle against drugs in Los Angeles. From the hotspots of crime to the demographics most affected, this data should inform both law enforcement and community efforts to address these issues.
For expert legal analysis or commentary on these trends, William S. Kroger, Attorney At Law is available for an interview.
