"Overall, reports of serious crime were down 2.6 percent," said Marlin. "By starting off the year successfully, we continue a positive trend that has seen crime decrease in six of the last seven years."
 

Marlin said reports of arson saw the biggest decrease -- 10.2 percent. Criminal sexual assault declined 7.9 percent, burglary was down 6.7 percent, aggravated assault/battery decreased 5.4 percent, murder and robbery were both down 5.1 percent, auto theft declined 1 percent, and theft declined .7 percent.
 

"In 1992, a positive downward crime trend began," said Marlin. "Thanks to a healthy economy, more police officers, longer prison terms, successful community policing programs, and a host of other factors, fewer of our fellow citizens are becoming victims of crime."
 

The report also includes totals of supplemental crime statistics -- crimes against children, domestic violence, hate crimes, and attacks against school personnel.
 

1st Quarter 1998 1st Quarter 1997 Percent Change Attacks Against School Personnel 627 695 -9.8% Crimes Against Children 8,332 8,538 -2.4% Domestic Violence 30,388 30,656 - .9% Hate Crimes 42 70 -40%