STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT REGARDING FBI CRIME DATA INDICATING VIOLENT CRIME FELL 3.2% NATIONWIDE:

The following press release was published by the US Department of Justice on May 24, 2004. It is reproduced in full below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MAY 24, 2004 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 616-2777 TDD (202) 514-1888 “Together, America’s law enforcement community is protecting homes, saving lives, and winning America’s fight against crime. Hard-core criminals are paying unprecedented penalties, and law-abiding Americans are enjoying newfound safety. We are driving down crime by enhancing cooperation, using effective, tough tools against criminals, and ensuring they do hard time. Behind these statistics are innocent men, women and children who are free from crime, victimization, and fear. I thank the police officers, sheriffs, troopers, agents, and first responders who answer the call to protect and defend America every day with courage, determination, and valor.” 04-358

Source: US Department of Justice