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According to the National Criminal Justice Commission's 1996 report, "The Real War on Crime, "there are at least five major myths about crime that exercise a powerful influence over criminal justice policy, despite the fact that they are demonstrably false. They are:
Myth 1: Street Crime Is Increasing Reality: As studies have shown, street crime dropped slightly in 1993 and 1994. In the last 20 years, robbery has dropped 17 percent, forcible rape has dropped 30 percent, and murder has stayed the same. Overall, rates for most categories of crime have been either stable or slightly declining.
Myth 2: Street Crime Is More Violent Today
Reality:...