The substantial benefits of a robust police department can be clearly seen in the mid-year crime statistics released today.

Violent crime in L.A. is down nearly 6 percent so far in 2009, led by a reduction in the total number of killings of nearly a third compared with the same period in 2008. There were 137 killings between Jan. 1 and June 30 of 2009 versus 197 for the same time period in 2008.

The L.A. Times reports the data reflects “a half-decade of declines in violent and property crime that began in 2003 and has continued despite double-digit unemployment in Los Angeles.” Assaults were down 8%, and there were 11% fewer reports of shots fired and 18% fewer shooting victims.

We can all feel good about the continuation of the very positive trend toward making L.A. one of the safest big cities in America. We urge city leaders to recognize the excellent service and value they have in the men and women of the LAPD as they look elsewhere for solutions to the current budget crisis.