Editorial July 15, 1996 Issue

When there's a drop in crime, then what?

Russ Gerber

Gratitude? Relief? Skepticism? A little bit of all these is going on, according to some news accounts. It has been reported that preliminary data show the rate of serious crimes in the United States is down for the fourth straight year. Welcome news.

As to why, experts aren't sure. Some say credit should go to having larger and more aggressive police forces in parts of the country; to an increase in the number of criminals sent to prison; to more active and involved civic groups, schools, and churches. Still others say that some of the credit should go to the heartfelt prayers of people everywhere. Many people pray every day for a nonviolent community and a safer world. There are former victims of crime, families who live in crime-ridden communities, and even former criminals, who are praying for an end to crime. And lots of people pray who feel a real love for the well-being of humanity and know that prayer can bring positive, lasting change to human circumstances in a way that nothing else can.

The recent statistics certainly are encouraging. Now the question is, What's the next step? When the media report predictions of an increase in crime in the next few years as the number of teenagers increases, this question takes on added urgency. No doubt, measures aimed at improving law enforcement and criminal justice systems will continue. But ordinary citizens may wonder what they can do to help the downward trend continue into a fifth year, then a sixth, and so on, until society feels confident that crime is actually under control. Prayer should continue.

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