[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E606-E607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF 2010 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS 
                                  WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strong support for H. Res. 1104, Supporting the mission and goals of 
2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week to increase public awareness 
of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in 
the United States. I would also like to commend Congressman Jim Costa, 
the sponsor of this resolution, for his commitment to increasing 
awareness of protecting the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and 
survivors of crime in the United States.
  This resolution draws critical attention to the impact that crime has 
on the people of the United States. There are over 25 million 
individuals in the United States that are victims of crime each year, 
including over 6 million individuals who are victims of violent crime. 
Crime is a major part of everyday society. The effects of crime touch 
just about everyone to some degree; the primary group affected are 
innocent citizens.
  According to a United Nations report, the United States is the 
leading country in financial loss due to violent crimes; the cost is 
estimated around $45 billion. During a time of recession, this 
information sheds more light on the impact crime has on our society.
  In Georgia alone there are over 422,589 crimes that are reported each 
year. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GBI, is working hard to 
provide the highest quality investigative, scientific, and information 
services and resources to the criminal justice community and others as 
authorized by law. At this time, the Investigative Division of the 
Georgia Bureau of Investigation is prioritizing its resources to combat 
violent crime in Georgia.

[[Page E607]]

Death investigation, investigations of violent crime, and 
investigations of drug activity which directly contribute to violent 
crime, currently consume the majority of Investigative Division 
resources. GBI agents are constantly exploring and developing more 
effective investigative techniques to address violent crime.
  The Dekalb County Police Department understands and strongly embraces 
the philosophy and strategy of Community Oriented Policing in their 
daily operations and functions. Proactive strategies that promote 
lasting crime reduction and problem-solving will be developed and 
implemented. This will be accomplished through a working partnership 
based on mutual trust, understanding and a shared responsibility in all 
branches of government, the police department, the private sector, each 
citizen and within all of our communities. I would have to agree with 
President Obama when he said, ``We are going to do everything in our 
power as long as I'm in the White House and as long as I'm the father 
of two girls to make sure that we're providing the states the support 
that they need''; these words were Obama's commitment to continue to 
fight crime, and provide law enforcement with the necessary tools. 
During my time as a Dekalb County commissioner I worked in conjunction 
with local police departments to combat crime and keep my community 
safe. As a former commissioner, judge, and a father of two children 
myself, I understand the detrimental impact that crime can have on a 
community and the importance of increasing awareness of protecting the 
rights of victims and survivors of crime.
  Please join me and support this resolution to bring awareness to the 
rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the 
United States.

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