Public Remains Wary About Crime, Even As Rate Drops For Eighth Year.

Byline: Daniel J. Murphy, Investor's Daily

For the eighth straight year, Americans have been the victims of fewer crimes. Yet no one factor adequately explains the reasons behind the welcome news. Better law enforcement, longer jail terms and the aging population have all contributed to the drop in crime. But other, less obvious factors also playa part, experts say. Still, surveys show crime remains a top concern among Americans, and some data indicate the trend may reverse itself soon. "It's a matter of whether the glass is half empty or half full. The teen homicide rate now is about 50% lower than it was in '93 but 50% higher than it was in '85," said James Alan Fox, the Lipman Family professor of criminal justice at Northeastern University in Boston. "So, we have more work …