Colorado Crime Rises in 1987 as Cocaine Epidemic Peaks

Colorado’s crime rate soared in 1987, with a significant increase in violent crimes reported across the state, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data. The UCR program, established in 1930, collects crime data from law enforcement agencies nationwide, providing a comprehensive picture of crime trends. In 1987, Colorado’s crime rate mirrored a national trend of rising violence, fueled by the spread of cocaine and other illicit substances.

The cocaine epidemic, which had begun to take hold in the early 1980s, reached its peak in 1987, contributing to a surge in violent crimes, including robbery, assault, and murder. The FBI reported a 10% increase in violent crime nationwide, with Colorado experiencing a disproportionate share of the increase. The state’s growing population, particularly in urban areas like Denver and Colorado Springs, contributed to the rise in crime. Law enforcement agencies struggled to keep pace with the growing caseload, often relying on outdated tactics and limited resources.

Colorado’s crime statistics for 1987 reflected a disturbing trend of escalating violence. Robberies, often linked to cocaine-fueled heists, increased by 15% statewide. Assaults, including aggravated assault and simple assault, rose by 12%. The state’s murder rate, while still relatively low compared to national averages, showed a 10% increase, with 154 reported homicides. Property crimes, including burglary and larceny-theft, also increased, as thieves targeted homes and businesses in search of cash and goods to fund their habits.

National trends and policies of the time contributed to Colorado’s crime surge. The war on drugs, launched in the 1980s, focused on law enforcement and interdiction, but often pushed the problem underground, creating a culture of violence and organized crime. The Reagan administration’s tough-on-crime stance, which emphasized punishment over rehabilitation, led to increased incarceration rates and a growing prison population. However, critics argued that this approach did little to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and addiction.

In the face of rising crime, Colorado law enforcement agencies sought to adapt to the changing landscape. Many departments began to focus on community policing, building relationships with residents and businesses to prevent and respond to crime. Others invested in new technologies, such as computers and forensic analysis, to aid in investigations and prosecutions. As Colorado continued to grapple with the challenges of the 1980s, one thing was clear: the state’s crime problem would require a sustained effort to address, involving law enforcement, policymakers, and the community at large.