Govt; 2002 lowest crime year!

[streetsoldier]

This in Yahoo News...2002 showed the lowest crime figures since nationwide records began to be kept in 1973; violent and property crimes showed a dramatic drop (wonder if this might have anything to do with the Justice Department's more vigorous efforts?)...

Another big score for GW in 2004, y'think?

[coriolis]

While I am a staunch Bush supporter, I can not recall that he had any real crime initiative. My theory is that maybe, just maybe, people are feeling a new unity and sense of purpose with the terrorism threats. Or it could be due to demographics. I read somewhere that the proportion of young crime-prone people is decreasing. One thing for sure is that people have a perception of increasing crime because of the media sensationalism, and electoral demagogery. We had that discussion once before. (Has anyone seen Widremann lately?)

[Lindaloo]

I know statistics show that "juvenile crime" is indeed on the rise. There are more and more kids being tried as adults, even at the ripe old age of 13. What crime are they committing? MURDER!!

[streetsoldier]

Again, Lindaloo, the demographics of "juvenile homicide" are telling...note that the vast majority are in inner-city enclaves, most gang- or drug-related.

And if "Murder 1" is the charge, certification for trial as adults should be the rule, rather than the exception.

As to this Administration, there has not been a specific anti-crime thrust, yes; but the extraordinary measures in the aftermath of 9-11 seem to be affecting even common criminal behavior, at the very least to some extent.

[Stephanie]

I think that the aftermath of 9/11 is definately having an affect on the crime statistics. I don't recall a specific game plan either by the Administration, but whatever is causing this downturn, I hope that it continues!