NCJ Number
133818
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 1-2,4-6
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The affects of World War II on law enforcement in the areas of national security and new criminal activity are reviewed.
Abstract
Although the rates for crime and prison population fell during the war, a change in crime patterns emerged. Because of depleted forces at the local level, many departments used auxiliary and reserved police units to deal with the criminal activity. A particularly significant crime pattern was the increase in juvenile delinquency. This increase was the result of a lack of parental supervision because fathers went to fight the war and mothers went to work. In order to deter juvenile crimes, crime prevention bureaus were established, and officers were assigned to special duties in this area. In addition civil defense strategies and evacuation plans were developed for blackouts and traffic control needs in case of air attacks. Rationing of basic foods, gasoline, and other products led to the development of black market operations. Although the war opened new opportunities for criminals, it also helped to interrelate the Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Products and technologies developed during the war from synthetic rubber to radar directly impacted upon law enforcement, whereas juvenile delinquency exerted a more subtle influence. In addition, many returning servicemen had opportunities for jobs as policemen in the newly developing suburbs. 10 footnotes