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Measuring the Problem: A National Examination of Disproportionate Police Contact in the United States

NCJ Number
239305
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2012 Pages: 153-173
Author(s)
Wendi Pollock; Willard Oliver; Scott Menard
Date Published
June 2012
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This research examined disproportionate police contact by using a national-level self-reported police contact data.
Abstract
This research examined socioeconomic variables, offending behavior, and prior police contact, as predictors of self-reported police contact (questioning or arrest). Utilizing multilevel models and eight waves of National Youth Survey Family Study data, the predictors were examined in a national sample of individuals, over 24 years. Results indicate that police contact is predominately predicted by sex, delinquent peers, and offending behavior. This suggests that several of the variables commonly discussed in police contact literature, including race, are not predictors of police contact at the national level in the United States. Implications of national-level findings on police policy are discussed. (Published Abstract)

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