Crime and Drugs: Lowest Crime Rates in 25 Years

Violent Crime Rate at Lowest Level since 1973 -- Under the Clinton-Gore Administration, America has experienced the longest continuous drop in crime on record. Violent crime rate fell 7 percent in 1998 and 27 percent since 1993. The murder rate is down more than 25 percent since 1993, its lowest point since1967.

Putting 100,000 More Police on Our Streets - this year, ahead of schedule and under budget, the Clinton-Gore Administration has met its commitment of funding 100,000 police officers for our communities. In the FY 2000 budget, the President won funding in the for the first installment toward his goal to hire up to 50,000 more police officers for our nation's streets by 2005.

More than 470,000 Felons, Fugitives and Stalkers Denied Guns -- since the President signed the Brady Bill into law. And the historic 1994 Crime Bill banned 19 of the deadliest assault weapons and their copies, keeping assault weapons off our streets. The homicide rate dropped 7 percent in 1998 - almost entirely due to a decrease in homicides committed with guns.

Developed Comprehensive Anti-Drug Strategy Including a $195 Million National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign -- appointed four-star general as the nation's Drug Czar. Illicit drug use among young people age 12-17 declined from 1997 to 1998, and the average age of first-time use went up.

National Campaign Against Youth Violence. In August 1999, President Clinton announced the formation of an independent, national campaign to address the problem of youth violence. The Campaign plans to launch anti-violence activities including a major media campaign, concerts, town hall meetings, in- and after-school programs. The Campaign will also highlight effective youth violence initiatives in cities across the country.

Fighting Hate Crimes -- enacted the Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act in 1994. Called for passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act during the historic White House Conference on Hate Crimes.

Last Updated December 1999

The Clinton-Gore Economic Record

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