(Jan. 11, 2007) -- There were 39 murders in the City of LB in 2006...a drop of 7.1% from total murders in 2005 (42)...amounting to 42.6% reduction from the 68 murders in LB in 2002...and the fourth consecutive year in which LB experienced a decrease in murders within its city limits.

And for the first time in over 40 years, LBPD says there were no murders in its East Patrol Division...which stretches from Cherry Ave. to the city's eastern city limits.

In a release, LB Police Chief Anthony Batts said:

"I wish I could take sole credit for the reduction in murders but as Chief, I can only set goals and establish the direction the Police Department needs to move. It is ultimately up to the employees of this great Department to act upon this direction and fulfill these goals. The four-year decrease in murders experienced by the City of Long Beach is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of every employee of the Police Department. I’m proud of the employees of this organization."

LB City Hall notes that the 39 murders in 2006 is the fewest murders in the city since 1971 when the Police Department began compiling crime statistics...and in 1971, the city's population was only roughly 350,000...instead of the 490,166 people living in LB in 2006.

Chief Batts said, "This is a testament to not only the hard work of the Police Department with all City Departments assisting, but also the relationship and commitment established between the City Departments and the community of Long Beach. The residents of Long Beach should take pride in knowing their City is a safer place to live."