Department of Justice Seal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AG

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2000

(202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888


JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN

FEDERAL GUN PROSECUTIONS


WASHINGTON, DC --The Justice Department today released statistics showing an increase in federal gun prosecutions in 1999 over 1998. In fiscal year 1999, federal prosecutors brought 5,500 firearms cases against 7,057 defendants compared 4,391 cases against 5,876 defendants in 1998. The 1999 data indicate a 25.3% increase in the number of federal firearms cases and a 20.1% increase in the number of defendants compared to 1998. Each case included a charge under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. Section 922 or 924).

"These statistics, and the historic reduction in violent crimes with firearms, demonstrate the excellent work of federal prosecutors all over the country who are vigorously enforcing the firearms laws," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "We must not become complacent because we have made progress. Gun violence continues to be an American tragedy and we must seize the opportunity to continue the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to make real and lasting changes to our communities in order to achieve a safer America."

State and local authorities make the vast majority of arrests and file the majority of violent crime cases nationally. The vigorous efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to enforce the firearms laws have contributed to an historic drop in violent crime. Violent crime has fallen for 7 ½ years based on the F.B.I.'s Uniform Crime Reports.

Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities are working collaboratively to combat gun violence through comprehensive, coordinated strategies. The Justice Department's federal prosecution statistics are consistent with data indicating an overall rise in federal and state firearms convictions nationally. In 1996, the most recent year for which data is available, 22% more criminals were incarcerated for either state or federal weapons offenses than in 1992.

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