EMBARGOED UNTIL 4:30 P.M.                                      AG
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1997                             (202) 514-2008
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888


             STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO
            ON THE RELEASE OF THE 1995 NATIONAL CRIME
                       VICTIMIZATION REPORT

                                 

     "These statistics show that we can make a difference in our
efforts to combat crime.  Crime has declined every year since
President Clinton's Crime Act became law.  Now we need to pass the
Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Act.  It will provide new resources
for after-school initiatives, along with tough, smart enforcement
that targets gangs, guns and drugs.  We are moving in the right
direction, but we must not let up our efforts to protect the public
safety."




     This statement is embargoed until 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13,
1997, along with the National Crime Victimization Report press
release. 



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97-148