2003 LOCAL: POLICE EFFORTS SEND VALLEY CRIME DOWN HOMICIDES, OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES DROP.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

Homicides and violent crimes declined dramatically in 2003 across the city and in the San Fernando Valley, primarily because of major enforcement against street gangs, stronger community cooperation, and more aggressive police work spearheaded by Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton, police officials said.

Citywide, homicides dropped nearly 25.6 percent, from 606 last year to 451 this year.

In the Valley, homicides dropped 26.5 percent, from 102 last year to 75 this year, according to LAPD statistics through Nov. 29, the latest available.

``We're very pleased,'' said Assistant Chief George Gascon, the chief of LAPD operations. ``It is a cause for celebration. However, we're very cautious. The reality is that we're extremely understaffed.''

Violent crime dropped 6 percent citywide, from 47,347 last year to 44,471 this year. In the Valley, violent crimes dropped 4.4 percent, from 11,202 last year to 10,714 this year.

Arrests have jumped. Arrests citywide jumped 11.8 percent, from 114,724 last year to 128,280 this year.

In the Valley, arrests jumped 10.8 percent, from 31,198 last year to 34,565 this year.

``We're going in the right direction,'' said Deputy Chief Ronald Bergmann, who heads the LAPD's Valley division. ``Every crime category in the Valley is down. Our arrests are up 10.8 percent. We're out beating the bushes for repeat offenders. I think that's starting to pay off.''

Community members were also called in this year to help fight the war on gangs, helping provide key information and numerous tips on suspects and crimes.

Gang enforcement operations, consisting of gang officers and narcotics detectives, hit the streets, clamping down on local gangs, getting guns off the streets and sharing intelligence with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Police also worked to identify some of the more active and violent gang members, as well as their leaders. More officers were freed up to work task forces to deal with high-crime areas.

In the Valley, fugitive warrant details and auto theft task forces were set up to track criminals and arrest auto thieves.

Bergmann ordered that the fugitive teams be largely reassigned from their daily duties and caseloads to focus on making more arrests, and assist detectives in serving search warrants and conduct surveillance operations.

Division bosses also got a better handle on crime trends and hot spots in their jurisdictions through monthly Compstat crime tracking meetings with department brass and the rank and file.

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Photo:

A heavily armed Los Angeles Police Department officer runs across an open area to assist other law enforcement officers.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer