Information was gathered at public hearings, from responses to newspaper advertisements, from a review of research literature, and from police records. Results revealed strong public concern about the extent of violence in public places, including violence committed by juvenile gangs. Diverse opinions were expressed regarding violence causes. An analysis of serious assault, rape, robbery, and homicide revealed relatively stable overall rates of serious violence since 1987-88, following a marked increase between 1980 and 1987-88. Victimization varies according to several factors, making some groups more vulnerable than others. The public transportation system is one major source of public concern about crime. Many projects and strategies are focused on reducing violence, but these efforts and the increased attention to violence do not seem to have affected the amount or reporting of violence. To reduce violence, an integrated collective approach is needed that nurtures and reinforces the nonviolent parts of our culture. Tables, figures, appended methodological information and additional results, and 81 references