Citation

Reckless WC. Am. J. Sociol. 1942; 48(3): 378-386.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1942, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/219185

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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 delinquency. 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 inauguration of a national policy of suppression prior to our entrance into war.