Oklahoma 1937: Crime Rises Amidst Dust Bowl Despair

Oklahoma in 1937 was a state in turmoil. The Dust Bowl, which had begun in the early 1930s, had ravaged the state’s agricultural industry, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of work. The Great Depression, which had gripped the nation since 1929, had left many Oklahomans struggling to make ends meet. Amidst this backdrop of economic hardship, crime rates in Oklahoma skyrocketed.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Oklahoma had one of the highest rates of crime in the nation in 1937. The UCR program, which was established in 1930, collected crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country, providing a comprehensive picture of crime trends in the United States.

The most significant crime trend in Oklahoma in 1937 was the rise of larceny-theft. This category, which included crimes such as burglary, theft, and embezzlement, accounted for the majority of all crimes reported in the state. The economic desperation of the time, coupled with the dislocation caused by the Dust Bowl, created a fertile ground for thieves and con artists to operate.

Nationally, larceny-theft was also the most common crime in 1937, accounting for over 50% of all reported crimes. The FBI’s UCR program reported that the majority of larceny-theft cases involved stolen goods, with many cases involving the theft of livestock, crops, and other valuable agricultural products. In Oklahoma, where the Dust Bowl had decimated the state’s agricultural industry, the theft of crops and livestock was a particularly pressing concern.

Violent crime, including murder and non-negligent manslaughter, also rose significantly in Oklahoma in 1937. The FBI’s UCR program reported that the national rate of violent crime had increased by over 10% in 1937, with many states reporting significant increases in violent crime rates. In Oklahoma, the rise of violent crime was likely linked to the economic desperation and social unrest of the time.

In conclusion, Oklahoma in 1937 was a state plagued by crime and economic hardship. The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression had created a perfect storm of poverty, desperation, and social unrest, driving up crime rates across the state. The FBI’s UCR program provides a valuable snapshot of crime trends in Oklahoma during this tumultuous period, highlighting the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt to the changing needs of their communities.