Reagan Sees Cause for Hope in Crime Fight

President Reagan today said he believes there is great cause for hope in the war against crime because people around the world are supporting their law enforcement officials in the anti-crime fight.

In a brief address to the 54th general assembly of Interpol, the international police organization, Reagan said people around the world “are coming to appreciate again the truth of old verities” that form the basis for tougher law-and-order policies.

“We all remember a time when some elaborate theories excusing criminal wrongdoing were very fashionable, a time when there was a great loss of will in apprehending and bringing to justice professional wrongdoers,” Reagan said.

“Now, all of this is changing,” he continued. “Increasingly, the people of my own country and yours are coming to appreciate again the truth of old verities like: Right and wrong do matter, individuals should be held accountable for their actions, and society has the right to be protected from those who prey on the innocent.”

Most Obey the Law

The President reminded the law enforcement officials that most people obey the law.

“The nature of your work frequently brings you in contact with your fellow citizens when they have been victimized by crime or committed a crime themselves,” Reagan observed.

“So, frequently, you see people only when they are hurting or in trouble. I hope you will not permit this to discourage you too much about human nature or to change your perspective on society as a whole,” he said.

“I hope you will remember that not only are most people upstanding and law-abiding citizens, but they are also on your side in the fight against lawlessness and are very grateful to you for the work you do.”