    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 11, 1997]
    [Pages 434-435]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Decline in Violent Crime Statistics
    April 11, 1997

        Today the Department of Justice reported that violent crime dropped
    12.4 percent in 1995.
        Four years ago, we made a commitment to take our streets back from
    crime and violence.

    [[Page 435]]

    We had a comprehensive plan: to put 100,000 new community police
    officers on the street and tough new penalties on the books; to steer
    young people away from crime, gangs, and drugs; and to keep guns out of
    the hands of criminals with the assault weapons ban and the Brady bill.
        Today we learned that the first full year of our crime bill produced
    the largest drop in violent crime in 22 years. Earlier this year we
    learned that the Brady bill has already stopped 186,000 felons,
    fugitives, and stalkers from purchasing handguns.
        Our plan is working. Now we must press forward. Fighting the scourge
    of juvenile crime and violence is my top law enforcement priority for
    the next 4 years. In February I submitted my Anti-Gang and Youth
    Violence Strategy to Congress. This bill declares war on gangs, with new
    prosecutors and tougher penalties; extends the Brady bill so violent
    teenage criminals will never have the right to purchase a handgun; and
    provides resources to keep schools open late, on weekends, and in the
    summer, so young people have something to say yes to.
        I am hopeful that Congress will 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 embargoed for release until 4:30 p.m. on April
    13.