The data from the Uniform Crime Reports revealed that homicides declined by 12 percent; the decline was limited to a few major cities, while other major cities reported either increases or virtually no change in homicides. In addition, the decline was limited to just the second quarter of 1995; overall crime increased 1 percent in the first quarter. Furthermore, while recent crime rates have declined, they are still much higher than in the 1960's. Nevertheless, both the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Crime Victimization Survey reveal either declines or stabilization in crime rates since 1980. The declines have been attributed to criminal justice policies; demographic changes, particularly in gender and age; and other social and economic factors. All the trends reveal that what causes crime rates to increase and decrease is a complex issue and that the solution to the crime problem must be multifaceted. Figures, tables, reprint of paper on youth violence, and handouts from a March 1, 1996 congressional briefing by Tony Fabelo, Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Policy Council