New low for US violent crime

Experts say gun-control is one reason for the fall

The number of violent crimes in the US has fallen to its lowest level since the government began keeping records 27 years ago.

Almost 30 million violent crimes and property crimes took place in 1999, a fall of more than 10% from the previous year.

A government statement said the figures showed that putting more police on the streets and controlling the availability of handguns had helped to create the safest America in a generation.

While these figures are heartening, there is a great deal more work to be done

Janet Reno
US Attorney General

However, despite the overall fall, there are concerns that violent crime rates remain unchanged for some Americans, especially blacks and people on low incomes.

Disturbing trends

According to the survey, on average 33 out of every 1,000 Americans experienced some kind of violent crime in 1999.

This figure rose to 42 in every 1,000 for African-Americans, unchanged from the last survey, and remained high for people on low incomes at 58 in every 1,000.

George W Bush says harsher sentences work

The most significant drop in violent crime was experienced by whites, who saw violent offences fall from 36 to 32 per 1,000.

The Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush, has claimed credit for the overall fall, pointing to the introduction of harsher laws by state governors such as himself.

As Governor of Texas, Mr Bush stiffened penalties for violent offences, but this has left the state with the highest prison population in the country.

Other factors

Experts also point to other factors influencing the reduction.

Some believe demographic changes mean there are statistically fewer younger people - the most likely potential violent offenders.

Janet Reno urges vigilance

Others suggest that the booming economy, reduced unemployment and the end of the crack-cocaine epidemic may also have reduced violent crime rates.

Attorney General Janet Reno welcomed the survey results, but warned against complacency.

"While these figures are heartening, there is a great deal more work to be done," she said.

"We must remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce crime and make our streets and communities as safe as they possibly can be."