Idaho Rides the Cocaine Epidemic in 1987

In 1987, Idaho found itself in the midst of a dark chapter in its history, as the state struggled to contain the rising tide of cocaine trafficking and its devastating impact on communities. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Idaho’s crime landscape was shaped by the national cocaine epidemic that swept the country in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Cocaine’s grip on Idaho’s cities and towns was evident in the state’s rising homicide rates. While the exact number of homicides is not specified in the UCR data for 1987, it is clear that the Gem State was experiencing a significant increase in violent crime. This trend was mirrored across the nation, as the U.S. witnessed a surge in cocaine-related murders and other violent offenses. The crack cocaine epidemic, in particular, had a devastating impact on urban areas, fueling the rise of street gangs and organized crime groups.

Beyond homicides, property crimes like burglary and larceny also rose in Idaho during 1987. The UCR data notes that these types of offenses often accompany periods of economic downturn, as individuals turn to crime as a means of survival. In the late 1980s, Idaho was experiencing a period of economic growth, but the benefits of this growth were not evenly distributed. Rural areas and low-income communities were disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to resources, contributing to the rise in property crimes.

The FBI UCR program, established in 1930, provides a comprehensive picture of crime trends across the United States. In 1987, the program recorded a total of over 17 million reported crimes in the U.S., with violent crimes accounting for approximately 5% of the total. Property crimes, on the other hand, made up the majority of reported offenses, accounting for around 95% of the total. While the UCR data does not provide specific numbers for Idaho, it is clear that the state was experiencing a significant increase in crime during this period.

As Idaho navigated the challenges of the late 1980s, law enforcement agencies and policymakers struggled to respond to the evolving threat of cocaine trafficking and related crimes. In the years that followed, the state would implement a range of initiatives aimed at combatting the epidemic, from increased funding for law enforcement to community-based programs aimed at reducing demand for illicit substances. While the road ahead would be long and difficult, Idaho was taking its first steps towards addressing the darkness that had descended upon its communities in 1987.