NCJ Number
156907
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 62 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1995) Pages: 18-28
Editor(s)
C E Higginbotham
Date Published
1995
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In November 1994, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) sponsored a summit meeting in which participants examined current murder trends in the U.S. and recommended preventive measures.
Abstract
Between 1965 and 1993, the number and rate of murders increased in the U.S., by 149 percent and 86 percent, respectively. The Bureau of Justice Statistics has reported that homicide was the 10th leading cause of death for all Americans in 1991 and remains the 4th leading cause of death for blacks of all ages, that juvenile gang killings are the fastest-growing type of murder, and that guns have become murderers' weapon of choice. Some law enforcement initiatives suggested at the IACP summit involved the intensified use of community policing and murder-specific problem- solving strategies, the intensified use of tactical teams and task forces to regain control of high-risk neighborhoods, the use of emerging technology to improve homicide clearance rates, and increased efforts to improve physical security for businesses and facilities. Communities and governments must also take the lead in reducing murder rates by creating crime advisory committees, intensifying alcohol consumption reduction programs, and providing safe havens for youth after normal school hours. Congress and State legislatures were called upon to increase sanctions for gun- involved crimes, allow police to seize weapons during domestic violence calls, and reorient the juvenile justice system to rehabilitate youthful offenders. Finally, schools can participate in the effort by supporting antiviolence programs, training teachers to identify and prevent violent students, and conducting school awareness programs on these issues.