Indiana: Crime by the Numbers 1939

Indiana’s 1939 crime landscape was marked by a stark reality: property crimes. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which began collecting crime data in 1930, property crimes were the primary concern for law enforcement agencies across the state.

The UCR reported that the majority of crimes committed in Indiana in 1939 were larceny-theft cases. As the country struggled through the Great Depression, desperation and poverty drove individuals to engage in illicit activities. Larceny-theft, which includes theft of bicycles, motor vehicles, and other property, was a symptom of the economic hardship many Hoosiers faced.

Indiana was not alone in its struggles; nationwide, law enforcement agencies reported a surge in property crimes. The FBI’s UCR data showed that overall crime rates continued to rise during the late 1930s, fueled by the economic downturn and organized crime syndicates.

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates in Indiana remained relatively low in 1939, a trend consistent with national averages. However, the rates were still a cause for concern, particularly in urban areas like Indianapolis, which struggled with gang violence and organized crime.

The 1939 crime data from Indiana and across the nation serves as a reminder of the pivotal role the FBI’s UCR program has played in shaping our understanding of crime trends and patterns. As the federal government continued to grapple with the challenges of the Great Depression, the UCR program provided valuable insights into the nature of crime and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.