Violent Crime's Return to Prominence

Archive Report

Question of Crime's Increase

New Federal Emphasis on Street Crime

Americans are being told, and are telling each other, that crime — especially violent crime — is again on the increase. There is statistical evidence to support, and also to challenge, that notion. But regardless of what the crime statistics may or may not show, there is little doubt about the public's perception of crime. It is that crime is very commonplace and threatening.

That thought was confirmed by Attorney General William French Smith in saying the federal government would not neglect “obvious public sentiment” for placing more emphasis on trying to control violent crime. At his first news conference since taking office, Smith on March 5 announced the formation of the Attorney General's Task Force on ...

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