Oklahoma’s Crime Crisis: 1959

The year 1959 saw Oklahoma grappling with a surge in crime, mirroring the national trend. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Oklahoma’s crime rate had reached alarming levels. The program, which initiated in 1930, aimed to collect and standardize crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country.

Domestic burglaries and larcenies stood out as major concerns in Oklahoma, reflecting a nationwide shift towards property crimes. As the post-war United States experienced unprecedented economic growth, so did the number of households and individuals with disposable income. Increased accessibility to consumer goods led to a rise in theft and burglary rates, a trend observed nationwide.

Violent crimes, though a growing concern, were not as prevalent in Oklahoma as property crimes. However, the state’s law enforcement faced the challenge of dealing with a rising number of homicides, often linked to domestic disputes and gang-related activities. This was part of a broader national issue, where urbanization and social unrest contributed to the increase in violent crimes.

Another significant issue in Oklahoma was the problem of motor vehicle theft. As car ownership became increasingly common, so did the number of stolen vehicles. Law enforcement agencies struggled to keep up with the growing number of motor vehicle thefts, often linked to organized crime groups.

The FBI UCR program’s data for Oklahoma in 1959 paints a picture of a state struggling to contain rising crime rates. While the state’s crime rate was not the highest in the nation, it was clear that Oklahoma was facing significant challenges. As the nation continued to grapple with the consequences of post-war prosperity, Oklahoma’s law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to address the growing crime crisis.