Crime has been a persistent issue in Los Angeles, with the city experiencing notable fluctuations in crime rates over the decades. In 1992, Los Angeles recorded a staggering 1,092 murders, marking a grim milestone in its history. However, significant efforts led to a decline in crime throughout the 1990s and late 2000s, culminating in a 50-year low in 2009 with only 314 homicides—a remarkable decrease from previous decades.

Despite this progress, crime rates have faced recent challenges. In 2021, murders surged to their highest level since 2008, with 348 reported cases—a concerning trend that underscores ongoing concerns about public safety. This rise in crime has prompted scrutiny and calls for effective strategies to address root causes and ensure community safety.

The history of organized crime in Los Angeles adds another layer to the city's crime narrative. During the Prohibition era, the Dragna crime family and Mickey Cohen dominated the city's underworld, reaching their peak influence in the 1940s and 1950s. However, their power gradually waned with the emergence of various black and Hispanic gangs in the late 1960s and early 1970s, reshaping the landscape of organized crime in the city.

Today, Los Angeles is home to a complex network of gangs, with approximately 45,000 members organized into 450 gangs, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Among the most notorious are the Crips and Bloods, African American street gangs originating in South Los Angeles. Additionally, Latino street gangs like the Sureños and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have a significant presence, contributing to the city's reputation as the "Gang Capital of America."

As Los Angeles grapples with evolving crime trends and challenges, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders continue to work together to implement proactive measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.