EMBARGOED FOR SUNDAY @ 4:30 PM EST

AG

SUNDAY, JULY 18, 1999

(202)616-2777

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STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO

ON THE CONTINUING DECLINE IN VIOLENT CRIME RATES

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At an annual meeting of District Attorneys from across the country, Attorney General Janet Reno today announced that the violent crime rate has fallen to its lowest levels since the Justice Department began tracking the rates in 1973. The National Crime Victimization Survey, which is conducted by the Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics, revealed that the rate of victimization for violent crime fell 7 percent between 1997 and 1998.

Attorney General Janet Reno issued the following statement:

"I am so pleased that we continue to see a drop in the rate of violent crime committed throughout our country. This demonstrates that the Administration's overall crime strategy is helping to lead the country into a safer 21^st century.

"There is no one reason as to why violent crime has fallen in recent years -- it's a combination of factors. It's because of more police officers on the streets, tougher sentences, more prosecutions, better prevention programs, a healthy economy, and a new approach to crime fighting that involves a closer working relationship between communities and federal, state and local law enforcement.

"As I have said before, we must not become complacent just because violent crime is on the decline. To ensure safer communities, we must continue to work at preventing crime, intervening where appropriate, and holding accountable those who violate our laws."

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