Over the last several decades, crime rates in the United States have?

The assertion that crime rates in the United States have steadily decreased over the last several decades is supported by various statistical analyses and crime reports. Since the peak of crime rates in the early 1990s, particularly in violent crimes, there has been a notable decline in both property and violent crimes. Factors contributing to this trend include improvements in policing practices, changes in drug policy, economic factors, and community-based initiatives aimed at crime prevention.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the trends supported by data. While there may be fluctuations in specific types of crime or in various regions, the overall trend indicates a decrease rather than significant increases or a state of being unchanged. Moreover, while crime may vary in some areas or during certain periods due to various influences, the general finding across the nation is one of decline, making "steadily decreased" the most accurate choice.