    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 1, 1997]
    [Page 692]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Department of Justice's Report on Crime
    June 1, 1997

        Four years ago, my administration made a commitment to take our
    streets back from crime and violence. We have a comprehensive anticrime
    plan, and it is working. More community police, tougher punishments, and
    fewer guns in the hands of criminals are making a difference. Today's
    Justice Department release marks the largest one-year decline in murder,
    aggravated assault, and violent crime in the past 35 years. The
    continued downward trend over the past 4 years is further evidence that
    we are on the right track with increased community policing, tougher
    penalties, and greater juvenile crime prevention efforts.
        Much work remains to be done, however. Juvenile crime and violence
    must be our top law enforcement priority for the next 4 years. My anti-
    gang and youth violence strategy declares war on juvenile crime and
    gangs, with new prosecutors and tougher penalties; an extension of the
    Brady bill, so violent teenage criminals will never have the right to
    purchase a handgun; and resources to keep schools open after hours, on
    weekends, and in the summer. While the House-passed juvenile crime
    legislation falls short of the goals outlined in my strategy, I am
    hopeful that the Senate will improve on this measure and pass it without
    delay. We must keep the crime rate coming down, and every child's
    prospect of a bright future going up.

    Note: This statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 30, but it was embargoed for release until 6 p.m. on
    June 1.