New Hampshire: A State of Rising Crime in 1979

In 1979, New Hampshire was one of the many states grappling with a rising tide of crime, as the nation struggled to cope with the aftermath of the social upheaval of the 1960s and the economic turbulence of the late 1970s. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collected and analyzed crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, New Hampshire experienced a significant increase in violent crime rates during this period.

The FBI UCR Program, established in 1930, was the primary source of crime statistics in the United States, providing valuable insights into the nation’s crime landscape. In 1979, the program reported that violent crime rates had risen by 10% nationwide, with burglary rates increasing by 12% and larceny rates by 9%. New Hampshire, however, fared worse, with a 15% increase in violent crime rates, making it one of the states with the highest rates of violent crime in the country.

This surge in crime was largely driven by the growing popularity of illicit substances, particularly cocaine and marijuana, which became increasingly accessible throughout the 1970s. The rise of crack cocaine, in particular, would later become a major factor in the explosion of violent crime in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1979, however, the state’s law enforcement agencies were still grappling with the consequences of the growing demand for these substances.

The year 1979 was also marked by a series of high-profile crimes in New Hampshire, including a string of burglaries and larcenies in the state’s major cities. These crimes often targeted local businesses and residents, leaving many feeling vulnerable and insecure. In response to these concerns, local law enforcement agencies increased their presence in affected areas, implementing new tactics and strategies to combat the rising tide of crime.

As the nation continued to grapple with the social and economic challenges of the late 1970s, New Hampshire’s crime landscape remained a pressing concern. The state’s law enforcement agencies would need to adapt to the changing nature of crime, incorporating new technologies and strategies to combat the evolving threats of the time. The data from the FBI UCR Program would provide valuable insights into these efforts, helping to inform policy and practice in the years to come.