1970s Crime Wave

The 1970s crime wave refers to a significant increase in crime rates in many urban areas across the United States during that decade. Factors contributing to this rise included economic troubles, shifts in demographics, social unrest, and the decline of manufacturing jobs. Violent crimes, such as homicide and robbery, surged, causing public concern and prompting calls for tougher law enforcement. This period also saw the emergence of higher-profile criminal activities, leading to a heightened fear of crime and influencing policies and policing strategies in subsequent decades. The crime wave eventually began to recede in the 1980s.