Oklahoma 1956: Crime Rates Rise with Economic Boom

In 1956, Oklahoma’s crime rates saw a significant increase, reflecting a broader trend in the United States during the post-war economic boom. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, crime rates nationwide were on the rise as Americans’ incomes and living standards improved.

With the state’s population expanding rapidly and a growing economy driven by the oil and gas industry, Oklahomans faced an array of challenges, including rising crime rates. The FBI UCR program, which began collecting crime data in 1930, provided a benchmark for law enforcement agencies across the country to measure their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Violent crime, which includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, was a major concern in Oklahoma in 1956. As the US economy experienced a period of unprecedented growth, cities across the country, including Oklahoma’s major metropolitan areas, struggled to keep pace with the influx of new residents and the associated social issues.

Property crime, including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft, was also a significant problem in Oklahoma during the mid-1950s. With the rise of suburbanization and the growth of the middle class, more Americans were owning homes and cars, creating new targets for thieves and burglars.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, which was established in 1935, played a critical role in combating crime on the state’s roads and highways. As car ownership increased and the state’s population expanded, law enforcement agencies like the Oklahoma Highway Patrol faced new challenges in maintaining public safety and order.