In 1997 the number of Index offenses reported statewide decreased for the seventh consecutive year and fell to the lowest level since the establishment of the current Uniform Crime Reporting program. Compared with 1996, the number of Index crimes in 1997 declined 4.0 percent in the non-New York City counties and 7.0 percent in New York City. New York City accounted for approximately 5 out of every 10 Index crimes reported statewide. The number of violent crimes reported in the State also decreased for the seventh consecutive year, since reaching an all-time high in 1990. The decline in the State total reflects a drop in violent crimes reported in New York City (a decrease of 5.9 percent). The non-New York City counties reported a decline of 3.5 percent. Property crimes as well declined in 1997 for the seventh consecutive year; property crimes in 1997 were 5.6 percent below 1996. Arrests reported through the Uniform Crime Reporting system during 1997 totaled 1,167,778, an increase of 6.6 percent from the 1,081,668 reported during 1996. These arrest figures include both adults and juveniles. Extensive tables and figures