Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act

Heather R. Tubman-Carbone

The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (OCCSSA) was a major step toward fed-eralization of crime policy and a distinct shift toward retributive responses. The legislation was enacted following several years of racial and civil unrest in urban areas across the United States. Commonly known as the Crime Bill, it established the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) and regulations for the use of wiretaps and handgun ownership. This entry discusses the sociopolitical climate in which the act was passed and the contents and effects of provisions therein. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports , violent crime was increasing at an accelerated rate in the 1960s. Year Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 1960 160.9 1962 162.3 1964 190.6 1966 220 1968 298.4 By 1965, a majority of citizens polled had named crime as the primary problem facing the country. Such fears are attributable to ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.