New Jersey 1960: Crime Rates on the Rise

Crime was on the upswing in New Jersey in 1960, with the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program documenting a significant increase in reported crimes across the state. According to the UCR, crime rates in New Jersey were higher than the national average, reflecting a nationwide trend of rising crime rates in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The UCR program, established in 1930, is the primary source for crime statistics in the United States. In 1960, the program reported a marked increase in reported crimes, including burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts. These types of property crimes dominated the crime landscape in New Jersey, reflecting a growing concern about property rights and personal safety.

During this era, social and economic changes were contributing factors to the rise in crime rates. The post-war prosperity of the 1950s had created a culture of consumerism, with many Americans enjoying increased access to credit and consumer goods. However, this also led to a rise in burglaries and larcenies, as individuals sought to acquire the goods they couldn’t afford through legitimate means.

The UCR program also reported a significant increase in reported crimes in urban areas, such as Newark and Jersey City. These cities faced significant social and economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and urban decay. The rise in crime rates in these areas was a reflection of the deep-seated social and economic issues that plagued many urban communities across the United States.

In response to the rising crime rates, law enforcement agencies in New Jersey began to adopt new strategies and technologies to combat crime. The use of fingerprinting, for example, became more widespread, allowing law enforcement to identify and track suspects more effectively. Additionally, the establishment of the New Jersey State Police in 1921 provided a coordinated law enforcement effort across the state, helping to address the growing crime problem.