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Home » Consumer Information » Crime

History of Crime

Crime in the United States is often defined by the level of violence that is used in criminal acts, especially from weapons. The most commonly used crime weapon is a gun, and many experts agree that is due to the fact that so many people in America have easy access to guns.

Organized Crime

Organized crime families are comprised of a group of people who work together in order to perform criminal acts on a grander and more profitable scale than if they were acting alone. These groups usually pose as legitimate business men and many have ties to the actual business world as well as members of law enforcement agencies and judicial branches. They will often use bribes and blackmail tactics in order to keep the guise of being actual business men.

At the beginning of the 20th century hundreds of immigrants arrived in America every day. Many of these people did not speak English and did not feel that the existing police force would protect them. This helped lead to the rise of The Mafia, or La Cosa Nostra as a major force in the world of organized crime.

The Result of Prohibition

Perhaps the biggest boon for organized crime was the Prohibition Act which made alcohol illegal. Mafia and gang members saw this as a great opportunity to produce their own alcohol and sell it to the public at high prices. This led to an astounding rise in the number of gangsters, violent and bloody local turf wars and even caused some key crime figures to become idolized by the general public. Among the most well known and loved crime figures of the time were Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. While both men were responsible for many violent acts and deaths, they were admired by people for their blatant disregard for one of the most unpopular laws in American history. Eventually the public outcry that opposed prohibition, mixed with the ongoing gang wars that were an unexpected result of the alcohol ban led to the repeal of the law. By this time, however, organized crime had grown and become a major part of American culture.

The Rate of Crime in America

Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, the rate of crime drastically increased in the United States. There are many theories as to why: the increase of drug trafficking, the availability of weapons, decreased levels of prosperity and perhaps most importantly of all, the Cold War and Vietnam.

During these years of turmoil, many people, especially from the younger generation, turned to drugs and illegal activities. These years also saw a sharp increase in the number of organized crime families as they began to get involved in the selling of narcotics. Many criminals became very rich as the popularity of recreational drug use rose to staggering new heights.

As the 1970's were coming to an end and the 1980's were beginning, the rate of crime in America rose even higher. The 80's saw a sharp increase in white collar crimes - non violent crimes that were committed by people in the business world. These crimes included computer fraud, embezzlement, financial institution and healthcare organization frauds and a variety of similar crimes.

Street gangs also saw a rise in popularity over these years. These gangs were often formed in cities where there were high levels of poverty and desperation. The gangs would band together to protect each other, form the close relationships that were otherwise lacking in their lives and obtain the financial gain that had previously eluded them. Gangs caused a sharp increase in violent crime as they used any means necessary to take the money or goods that they desired and warred with rival gang members.

The 1990's saw a decrease in the level of crimes in America. No one is certain exactly why, but after 1991 the crime rate began to decline. According to data collected by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent crimes have continually decreased since 1993. Their reports also suggested that crimes were being reported to law enforcement agencies on a more regular basis, so police involvement could account for at least part of the decrease in crime.