Compton, California

Compton is a city located in southern Los Angeles County, California, USA. It is often considered to be the heart of the South Los Angeles area, formerly known as a part of South Central Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 93,493. The city has at times been notorious for gang violence, a reputation perhaps exaggerated by the rise to prominence of local gangsta rap group NWA during the 1980s (see Straight Outta Compton). Currently the most feared and biggest gangs from Compton are the Latino gangs, Compton Varrio Tortilla Flats, Compton Varrio 70's, Compton Varrio Largo 36 and Compton Varrio Alondra.

Crime

Compton is notorious for being the city with the highest crime rate in all of California. The Morgan Quitno Corporation designated Compton as the seventh most dangerous city with a population of 75,000 or above in 2004. Compton also has a homicide rate about ten times higher than the national average, most of which are gang killings. The Crips and the Bloods are the most well-known gangs, but many other gangs also exist, which now has both African Americans and Latinos as members. Compton's policing needs are currently served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. In the past, the Compton Police Department (CPD) was overloaded by the gang crimes that occur, which helped to lead to the downfall and dismantling of the department itself. (See here)

Related Topics:
Crime - California - 2004 - Homicide - Crips - Bloods - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Compton Police Department

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In addition, civic corruption has also been a problem in Compton. In 1995, the mayor and a councilwoman were convicted of extortion. In 2002, a mayor was convicted of using city credit cards to purchase golf balls and lavish hotel stays for himself and his friends. Various mayoral administrations have been investigated by federal, state, and county government for bribery, nepotism, and misappropriating public funds. This contributes to Compton's poor reputation and discourages business investment.

Related Topics:
1995 - 2002 - Bribery

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Compton's crime is due mainly to its economic condition and its location as the center of the South Los Angeles "ghettos." The crime has not been as severe as it was in the 1980s and early 1990s. Compton's notoriety as a dangerous city is exaggerated by the rise of the gangsta rap group N.W.A.

Related Topics:
Ghettos - 1980s - 1990s - Gangsta rap - N.W.A

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