Colorado’s Dark Past: Crime Rates in 1939

Colorado’s streets were a hotbed of lawlessness in 1939, with a significant spike in violent crime that rivaled the rest of the nation. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which began collecting crime data in 1930, the Rocky Mountain state saw a substantial increase in reported crimes, particularly in the western region.

As the Great Depression ravaged the nation, Prohibition and organized crime reigned supreme. Bootleggers and gangsters exploited the economic desperation of many Americans, fueling a rise in violent crime. Colorado’s proximity to the Mexican border made it a key transit point for illicit goods and people, further exacerbating the problem. The FBI UCR data shows a notable increase in reported crimes across the country during this time, with law enforcement agencies struggling to keep pace with the surge in activity.

The types of crimes dominating the era were largely driven by the Prohibition era. Murder and manslaughter rates skyrocketed, with gangland killings and shootouts between rival factions becoming all too common. Robberies, burglaries, and larcenies also saw significant increases, as desperate individuals turned to crime to survive. The FBI UCR program notes that the majority of crimes went unreported, leaving the true scope of the problem even more daunting.

Against this backdrop of lawlessness, local law enforcement agencies in Colorado struggled to maintain order. With limited resources and training, many departments were ill-equipped to deal with the rising tide of crime. The FBI UCR data reveals that the state’s law enforcement agencies were among the most under-resourced in the country, with many reporting inadequate funding, equipment, and personnel. This created a perfect storm of violent crime, with little hope of relief in sight.

As the nation teetered on the brink of chaos, the FBI’s UCR program provided a vital snapshot of the crime situation in Colorado. While the data is limited, it paints a grim picture of a state beset by violent crime. It is a testament to the resilience of law enforcement agencies that they continued to collect data despite the overwhelming challenges they faced. The legacy of this era continues to shape Colorado’s crime landscape today, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Great Depression and Prohibition on the nation’s crime statistics.