An Oil Boom and Skyrocketing Crime: Law Enforcement Perceptions of Crime in the Bakken

• In Event: Policing Heterogeneous Crimes

Abstract

In the last decade, increases in oil production in the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana have led to unprecedented levels of population growth in the area. With this population growth has come an increase in crime. Regional newspapers cite rising rates of violent crime, increases in the number of arrests for drug and sex crimes, and the growing presence of organized crime networks. Due to the relatively quick rate of population growth in the Bakken region, however, local criminal justice agencies have struggled to deal with rising crimes rates, and police shortages plague some communities. Using data collected from interviews with personnel from law enforcement agencies in communities surrounding the Bakken, this research examines methods currently employed by law enforcement to respond to the growth of crime in the Bakken region. Steps perceived by local law enforcement officers as being necessary to address the issue of crime in the Bakken are discussed.

Authors

• Jennifer Rhiannon Scroggins, Montana State University, Billings

• Stephanie Harris, Montana State University, Billings