[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 16 (Monday, April 21, 1997)]
[Page 518]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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. 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.