Dozens of readers are offering theories as to why crime rates dropped when they did. One writes:

You asked, "Why have crime rates collapsed so drastically and stayed low even during an historically awful period of unemployment?" Because the newly unemployed do not (yet) come from a place of chronic poverty with few or no alternatives. Because there is a social safety net in place. Because the newly unemployed 55-year-old middle manager isn't prepared culturally, mentally, philosophically or emotionally to turn to crime (yet). And people are staying married because they can't afford to divorce and support 2 households.

Another writes: