Data show that the statewide rate of serious crime decreased 6 percent in 1998, the third straight year that violent crime and property crime have declined from the previous year. The largest decreases occurred in the number of robberies, which fell 11 percent, as well as motor vehicle thefts, which were down by 8 percent. Arrests by Maryland State Police troopers for driving while intoxicated increased by almost 9 percent compared to 1997. Traffic fatalities declined from 610 in 1997 to 606 in 1998. In 1998 the Maryland State Police committed to the "Geographic Management Accountability System" (GMAS) management philosophy. This philosophy holds commanders accountable for all law enforcement issues in their respective area of responsibility. Consistent with the GMAS philosophy, field criminal investigators were returned to the Field Operations Bureau. This move consolidates control of State Police resources within geographic jurisdictions, creates a single point of contact for criminal and traffic issues, and improves communication flow. The State Police look forward to completing implementation of GMAS during 1999.