In a disturbing disconnect, violent crime in Los Angeles is down 10.3 percent and property crime has declined by 7.9 percent, but it’s becoming more dangerous to be a police officer in this city.

Chief Beck reported this week that assaults on police officers are up by 42 percent over the same period last year, bringing the 2011 total to 97 attacks. This echoes a national trend, as reported by Daily News police reporter C.J. Lin.

Lin reports that “Among the attacks was the shooting of Officer Steve Jenkins, a K-9 handler who survived being shot in the jaw and shoulder on April 4 by a domestic violence suspect in Sylmar, sending police into a daylong standoff before the suspect was killed. Jenkins was released from the hospital after three weeks of surgery and recovery.”

KNX veteran reporter Pete Demetriou took to the streets to find out what cops think is driving the surge in assaults. He reported that “Officers David Stovill and Jared Vann, both serving in the Southwest division, said that the bad economy plays a role, increasing people’s desperation, and that they’re seeing more ex-convicts and non-revocable parolees out on the streets.”

Demetriou writes, “Officer Art Gallegos, a 10-year veteran, says those who lash out at law enforcement are often mentally ill, are drug users or have served prison time.” Demetriou adds, “As a result of the increased aggression, Gallegos says, there is more talk among law enforcement about tactics, officer safety and warning against complacency.”

We are nearing the release of a large number of inmates from state prison, and will be seeing fewer incarcerations for parolees who commit new crimes. Undoubtedly, this will result in more interactions between this population and law enforcement, which doesn’t bode well for officers in light of this year’s troubling trend of violence.

The comments from these LAPD officers should serve as a timely reminder. Take it to heart. Crime numbers may be down, but policing remains a dangerous profession.