AG 6:00 P.M., E.S.T. (202) 514-2007WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO
ON THE CONTINUING DROP IN SERIOUS CRIME
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The FBI today reported that serious crime declined for the seventh straight year. According to preliminary 1998 figures from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, serious crime in 1998 declined seven percent from 1997.
Attorney General Janet Reno issued the following statement:
"Today's report is simply great news. For seven straight years -- each and every year -- serious crime has fallen. That means safer streets, fewer victims and greater peace of mind for all Americans.
"There is no single reason for today's encouraging numbers. It's a combination of many factors, including more police officers, common-sense laws requiring background checks on gun purchasers, community policing, legislation banning assault weapons, practical partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, more crime prevention programs, and a host of effective comprehensive crime strategies.
"These numbers are truly satisfying, but as long as there is even one crime victim, our work will continue. If we are to insure that this historic reduction in crime continues well into the 21st century, we must keep our focus on measures involving prevention, intervention and accountability, such as the proposals contained in the President's 21st Century Crime Initiative."
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