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“STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S5543 on June 13, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 284--EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT FOR ``NATIONAL NIGHT
OUT'' AND REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT MAKE NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME
PREVENTION COMMUNITY POLICING AND REDUCTION OF SCHOOL CRIME IMPORTANT
PRIORITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
Mr. BIDEN (for himself and Mr. Specter) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
S. Res. 284
Whereas neighborhood crime is a continuing concern of the American people;
Whereas the fight against neighborhood crime and terrorism requires the cooperation of community residents, neighborhood crime watch organizations, schools, community policing groups, and other law enforcement officials;
Whereas neighborhood crime watch organizations are effective in promoting awareness about, and the participation of volunteers in, crime prevention activities at the local level;
Whereas the vigilance of neighborhood crime watch organizations creates safer communities and discourages drug dealers from operating in the communities monitored by those organizations;
Whereas the American people are concerned about violence and crime in schools, especially about incidents that result in fatalities at school, and are seeking methods to prevent such violence and crime;
Whereas community-based programs involving law enforcement personnel, school administrators, teachers, parents, and local communities are effective in reducing violence and crime in schools;
Whereas the Federal Government has made efforts to prevent neighborhood crime, including supporting community policing programs;
Whereas the Attorney General has called Federal efforts to support community policing a ``miraculous sort of success'';
Whereas the Administration has supported neighborhood watch programs through the establishment of the Citizen Corps;
Whereas on August 6, 2002, people across America will take part in National Night Out, an event that highlights the importance of community participation in crime prevention efforts;
Whereas on National Night Out participants will light up their homes and neighborhoods between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on that date, and spend that time outside with their neighbors; and
Whereas schools that turn their lights on from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on August 6, 2002, send a positive message to the participants of National Night Out and show their commitment to reducing crime and violence in schools: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals of National Night Out;
(2) recognizes that the fight against neighborhood crime and terrorism requires individuals, neighborhood crime watch organizations, schools, and community policing groups and other law enforcement officials to work together;
(3) encourages neighborhood residents, crime watch organizations, and schools to participate in National Night Out activities on August 6, 2002, between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; and
(4) requests that the President--
(A) issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to participate in National Night Out with appropriate activities; and
(B) make neighborhood crime prevention, community policing, and reduction of school crime important priorities of the Administration.
Mr. BIDEN. Madam President, today I rise to submit a resolution, along with Senator Specter, supporting ``National Night Out,'' a program at the forefront of the Nation's effort to combat crime and terrorism. On August 6 of this year, over 33 million people in 9,700 communities from all 50 States will participate in the 19th Annual National Night Out. These volunteers greet their neighbors, meet with local police, and participate in block parties and parades, all to encourage citizens to become active caretakers of their communities. This resolution would salute and encourage those efforts.
This past year has seen our nation both horrified by unthinkable tragedy, and driven to ensure that nothing so terrible ever happens again. Unfortunately, we can't have a police officer protecting us on every block, during every minute, of everyday. And while many of us in the Congress have worked for years to enhance the tools and resources available to law enforcement, few things are more valuable in our ongoing war against terrorism and crime than the eyes and ears of conscientious citizens. A 1995 study by the National Institute of Justice shows that crime rates are 40 percent lower, on average, in communities with high mutual trust among neighbors. By encouraging members of each community to get to know one another, be familiar with their block, and work with local law enforcement officials to spot and address suspicious situations, National Night Out helps all of us sleep more soundly.
Today, with terrorists seeking to strike our homeland, our efforts to keep America's streets safe are more crucial than ever. Working side by side with local law enforcement, neighborhood crime watch groups have been, and will continue to be an invaluable resource. In fact, a Justice Department survey indicates that 90 percent of law enforcement officers believe National Night Out enhances their policing programs. Every year, National Night Out provides Americans with a great opportunity to meet their neighbors, show their patriotism, and keep their streets safe. I hope my colleagues will join Senator Specter and me in thanking them for making a difference, one doorstep at a time.
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