Crime: Hey, Pops, Remember The Crack Old Days?

Hey, Pops, Remember The Crack Old Days?

Last week the Justice Department released stunning news: violent- and property-crime rates, which have been dropping since 1991, are at their lowest level in 24 years. In 1997, murder dropped 8% and robbery fell 17%; early 1998 figures suggest the trend continues. Experts can't agree on why, citing factors from better policing to a booming economy. But one of the most fascinating developments seems to be that crack is now your father's drug. Users are maturing, if not heading into middle age, and dealers are less aggressive in recruiting youths, who tend to be turned off by crack's devastation (and more...

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