Statistics on reported crime and the available empirical data suggest that the increase in crime from 1950 to the mid-1980's has flattened out. In contrast, the authorities and the public have a strong sense that certain forms of serious crime, particularly international organized crime, have increased. The aggregate statistics do not account for the structure and patterns of crime. The marginalization of many young, urban males; the deterioration of the social safety net; the increase in drug and alcohol problems; and the increasing prison populations are all issues needing consideration. The connections among offenses and the randomness with which most forms of modern crime come to the attention of the police make it difficult to determine statistical trends. Further research should focus on hidden crime, businesses victimization, offenses without individual victims, and international indicators and measures of crime. Figures, tables, footnotes, and 26 references