NCJ Number
178441
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 1999 Pages: 265-290
Date Published
1999
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Theories and research on race and crime are analyzed and use to develop recommendations for four nonpartisan policies on this issue: (1) to de-emphasize race, (2) to recognize the non-mutually exclusive nature of proposed solutions, (3) to improve and increase policing, and (4) to critically examine sentencing and law enforcement tactics.
Abstract
Liberal and conservative scholarship regarding race and crime involves adversarial discussions based on strongly held opinions. Sociologists and criminologists have reached diametrically opposed conclusions on the topic. Structural theories tend to emphasize economic, family, social, and actual living conditions within neighborhoods regardless of race as determinative of criminality. Culturally centered theory focuses on experiences particular to black persons; it often includes factors emphasized by structural theories, but it filters those facts through the lens of the African American experience. The best direction for civil rights policy to take regarding race and crime is a large leap toward consensus. One important step in helping African American communities deal with crime is to focus less on race, although racism still needs to be addressed. In addition, the common ground among the theorists needs recognition; the theorists are all linked in what should be a concerted effort to help the African American community. A third policy should be to improve policing while increasing the police presence in neighborhoods where crime is a problem. Finally, sentencing and law enforcement tactics should be examined with respect to their impacts on crime prevention and efficiency. Footnotes