Gov. Bush on Why Crime has Fallen for 14 straight years in Florida

Bush: Florida crime rate down to lowest level since '71

By BRENT KALLESTAD
Associated Press Writer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida's crime rate dropped for the 14th straight year in 2005 to its lowest mark since 1971 because of tougher laws, increased financial support from the Legislature and law-abiding citizens with guns, Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday.

"This report shows that staying tough on crime works," said Bush. "Law abiding citizens that have guns for protection actually probably are part of the reason we have a lower crime rate." . . .