NCJ Number
183603
Date Published
2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In this review of 16 studies examining black-white arrest differentials, the one constant factor that emerged was that blacks were arrested more than whites.
Abstract
Research supporting consensus theory found criminal conduct to be significantly related to racial arrest differentials. Conversely, in research supporting conflict theory, research found higher black arrest rates relative to whites were due to differential police concentration, control, and/or practices, independently of crime-related factors. Seven of the 16 studies showed blacks were arrested more than whites due to criminal conduct (consensus) and subordinate group characteristics (conflict). Eight of the 16 studies showed subordinate group status was a stronger predictor, compared to criminal conduct, of higher arrests for blacks than for whites. Only one study indicated criminal conduct was a stronger determinant, compared to subordinate group status, of higher arrests for blacks than for whites. The author contends consensus or conflict theory cannot be conclusively accepted or rejected as the perspective better suited to explain police decisions to arrest. Further research is recommended to theoretically integrate macro-level structural predictors posited by consensus and conflict theory and micro-level process predictors such as intra- and interracial crime, informal police organizational rules, and socialization experiences. 37 references, 2 notes, and 1 table