In a preliminary crime statistics report for 2014, Long Beach is poised to achieve the lowest number of reported violent crimes in 42 years, according to a statement from the city.

According to the report, violent crime decreased 3.2% from 2013 to 2014, and there was also a 17.8% decrease when compared to the five-year average. Property crime also decreased by 4.8% in the last year, a 3.8% decrease compared to the five-year average. Total Part I Crime (violent and property crimes, including aggravated assault, forcible rape, murder, and robbery as well as arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) was reduced by 4.6%, and 6.3% compared to the five-year average.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) also anticipates that the final 2014 statistics, which are expected to be released later this month on the LBPD website, will show a 30.3% decrease from 2013 in the number of murders. There were 23 murders in the city last year, compared to 33 in 2013.

“This is the lowest number of murders on record since statistics were first compiled in 1969,” the city said in a statement.

Fourteen of the 23 murders last year were investigated as gang-related, and the Homicide Detail was able to solve 22 murders from 2014 and past years with a clearance rate of 95.7%.

“Thirteen of the 22 were year 2014 cases,” said LBPD spokeswoman Marlene Arrona. “The rest occurred in prior years.”

However, the number of reported rapes and aggravated assaults are expected to show increases when compared to 2013, but those numbers will still be below the five-year average by 7.4% and 8.1%, respectively.

Reductions were also seen in the property crime category, with residential burglary down 9.7%, auto burglary down 7.6%, arson down 36.5%, petty theft over $50 down 14.4% and grant theft auto down 13.3%. Increases were seen in commercial burglary with 4.5% and thefts under $50 with 14%.

Police Chief Robert Luna said property crime reductions were attributed to an increase in community participation in crime prevention efforts, awareness and the hard work of the LBPD officers.

“I am very proud of the efforts and outstanding commitment our employees demonstrate to the community they serve,” Luna said. “We will continue to pursue effective crime reduction while building public trust in 2015. We must work together with other city departments and our community partners in a team effort to accomplish our collective goals of keeping our city safe.”

Luna said efforts are underway to make the LBPD even better, including a body camera pilot program. The city council adopted this idea as part of the Fiscal year 2015 adopted budget with non-recurring funds. Since then, a body-worn camera committee has been studying the operational policies and financial effects of instituting body cameras.

The Citizen’s Police Complaint Commission, an independent investigative commission, will also be enhanced with the addition of an investigator position.

“The addition of an investigator position will afford the Commission additional resources to conduct investigations and follow-up on complaints and other business addressed to the Commission,” the city said.

The LBPD also aims in 2015 to better explain the city’s extensive review process for any and all use of force incidents and will enhance educational information for the public on what to do when they are contacted by a police officer.

“This ongoing reduction in crime reflects the City’s unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement. “Reducing crime is a priority for the entire City, especially our Police Department and its dedicated employees.”