Walter C. Reckless

The Impact of War on Crime, Delinquency, and Prostitution

The effect of war on crime is indirect, operating through the changed conditions, policies, and regulations of a war period. There has been so far only a very slight increase in crimes known to the police in the United States. Even arson and sabotage have not increased as yet. Violations of specific war legislation are expected to increase. Scattered returns do not confirm an expected rise in juvenile deliquency. There has not yet been enough disruption to undermine the juvenile population. Open prostitution has not been allowed to flourish as it would have in camp and war-production centers had it not been for the inaguration of a national policy of suppression prior to our entrance into war.