Today, Americans are safer from violent crime than they were a year ago, according to data released by an independent organization of police chiefs from the nation’s largest cities. The first quarter of 2024 saw a decline in violent crime across every category, with murders down by 17%. These reductions add to the outstanding decreases observed in previous years.
Following a period marked by the largest one-year increase in murders on record, violent crime has now reached a near fifty-year low. This positive trend is not coincidental but the result of concerted efforts by law enforcement and community leaders.
It reflects historic measures undertaken by the current administration to curb the flow of illegal firearms and make substantial federal investments in crime prevention through initiatives like the American Rescue Plan.
President Joe Biden (Credits: ABC News)
Despite facing opposition from every Republican in Congress, the American Rescue Plan passed, enabling cities and states to allocate over $15 billion towards public safety and violence prevention. These funds have been utilized to bolster law enforcement efforts, promote accountable community policing, and implement strategies to interrupt and prevent crime.
However, the fight against crime is far from over. President Biden’s Safer America Plan outlines a comprehensive approach that calls for a $37 billion investment in law enforcement and crime prevention.
This includes funding for an additional 100,000 police officers dedicated to accountable community policing and a $5 billion allocation for community violence interventions.
President Joe Biden (Credits: CNN)
Additionally, the plan advocates for common-sense gun safety reforms such as banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, along with implementing universal background checks.
The progress made in combating crime is evident in the lives saved and the restoration of security and peace of mind for communities across the nation.
President Biden remains committed to ensuring this progress continues, emphasizing that every family deserves to reside in a safe environment. Until this goal is achieved, efforts to enhance public safety and prevent crime will remain a top priority for his administration.
