The statistics were derived to a large extent from the Justice Information System and the Courts Administration Authority computer systems. They cover offenses reported or becoming known to police as well as alleged offenders apprehended; these data cover the period from January 1 - December 31, 1996. In 1996 there were 203,964 offenses reported or becoming known to police, a 2.6-percent decrease from 1995. Offenses against property were the most prevalent, accounting for almost two-thirds of all offenses reported in 1996. Offenses against the person, excluding sexual offenses, decreased by 2 percent between 1995 and 1996, the first decrease recorded during the past 11 years; sexual offenses increased slightly by 1.4 percent in 1996. Overall, a 3.5-percent increase was recorded for drug offenses. Data in this report also address cases before the Supreme and District Criminal Courts and Courts of Summary Jurisdiction for the period January 1 to December 31, 1996. Correctional Services data are provided for this period as well; these data cover adult offenders subject to programs administered by the Department of Correctional Services. Juvenile justice data address police apprehensions of juveniles and actions taken, formal cautions of juveniles by police, attendance by juveniles at family conferences, appearances by juveniles before the Youth Court, and juveniles in custody. Extensive tabular and graphic data are provided.