Serious crime is down for the 8th year in a row. Conservatives say the reduction is due to stiffer punishment and tougher enforcement.
Liberals say social programs have made the difference.
Demographers say it's demographics. But some say serious crime is down because funny crime is up. Stu Forden, warden of the San Diablo Prison, says funny crimes now bring more attention than serious ones. Violent assault, grand larceny, nobody is impressed. Warden Stu Forden, who has issued a plea to TV producers to keep broadcasting dumb criminal stories, so delinquent youth will have constructive role models.