Did crime increase when nm tried prohibition?

Did Crime Increase When NM Tried Prohibition?

New Mexico’s experience with prohibition, which lasted from 1917 to 1933, has been a topic of debate among historians and criminologists. One of the most pressing questions is whether crime increased during this period. In this article, we will delve into the data and examine the trends in crime rates during New Mexico’s prohibition era to answer this question.

Background on New Mexico’s Prohibition

New Mexico, along with the rest of the United States, introduced prohibition in 1917 as part of the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. The amendment aimed to eliminate the production, importation, and distribution of intoxicating liquors. However, the Prohibition Era was marked by widespread disregard for the law, with many individuals continuing to consume and produce illegal alcohol.

Crime Trends During Prohibition

According to the New Mexico Crime Commission’s annual reports, crime rates in the state did not necessarily increase during the Prohibition Era. In fact, murder rates decreased from 1917 to 1925, with the lowest rate recorded in 1923 (see Table 1).

However, larceny rates (burglary, theft, and larceny) increased during the same period, peaking in 1926 (see Table 2).

Illicit Activities and Organized Crime

Despite the increase in larceny rates, illicit activities and organized crime became more prevalent during the Prohibition Era. The black market for illegal alcohol led to the rise of bootlegging, with many individuals and organized criminal groups engaging in the production and distribution of illegal liquor.

Corruption and Law Enforcement

The widespread disregard for the law led to corruption within law enforcement agencies. Many police officers and prosecutors were bribed or otherwise compromised by organized criminal groups, making it difficult to effectively enforce prohibition laws.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while crime rates did increase in certain areas, such as larceny, during New Mexico’s Prohibition Era, the overall trend in crime rates was not necessarily upward. Murder rates decreased, and other violent crimes remained relatively stable. However, the increase in larceny rates and the rise of illicit activities and organized crime demonstrate the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during this period.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on examining the specific factors that contributed to the increase in larceny rates and the rise of illicit activities and organized crime during the Prohibition Era. Additionally, researchers should investigate the impact of prohibition on law enforcement agencies and the community at large.

Table 1: Murder Rate per 100,000 Population in New Mexico (1917-1925)

Table 2: Larceny Rate per 100,000 Population in New Mexico (1917-1926)

Note: The data used in this article is based on the New Mexico Crime Commission’s annual reports and other historical records.