The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday declared “remarkable success” has been made as a result of improvements to public safety in 2025, although the number of rapes reported county wide rose from the previous year.
“In 2025, the department made substantial progress in public safety, accountability, operational improvements, employee wellness and technology modernization, all while managing unprecedented operational demands such as the wildfire natural disaster and major public demonstrations,” according to a statement from the department released on the final day of the year. “These achievements reflect the collective leadership, direction and management of the department’s executive staff, but most importantly the professionalism, resilience and dedication of the men and women, sworn and professional, volunteers, and reserve deputies, who serve our communities across Los Angeles County each day.”
Among the progress cited by Sheriff Robert Luna was a 12.5% drop from 2024 in so-called Part I crimes, which include violent and property crimes. He also pointed to “notable decreases” in homicides and robberies, but a “slight rise” in rapes.
“Property crimes, particularly burglaries, declined sharply, with a notable 20% reduction in auto theft across the county,” the department statement said. Aggravated assaults with firearms and unlawful shootings also decreased.
The department reported that its patrol personnel did more outreach through the Homeless Outreach Services Team, with more than 4,500 homeless people contacted and 420 encampment sweeps conducted that aimed to connect those in need with services.
“In response to illegal street takeovers, stations partnered with the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol to conduct coordinated enforcement operations,” according to he sheriff’s department. “This collaboration effectively reduced these dangerous incidents and laid the groundwork for the department’s first department-led street takeover training curriculum, scheduled to launch in early 2026.”
“As we close out 2025, a year that also marked the 175th anniversary of our Department, I am reminded of the strength, professionalism, and resilience of the men and women who serve our communities,” stated Luna. “This year brought meaningful progress in crime reduction, accountability and modernization, but it also tested us in profound ways. We endured the heartbreaking loss of three of our Arson Explosives Detail detectives, responded to unprecedented natural wildfire disasters and navigated large-scale demonstrations that demanded constant readiness, professionalism and coordination.”