NCJ Number
133057
Date Published
1991
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examines European patterns in crimes committed by and against ethnic minorities.
Abstract
Research on the crime involvement of European ethnic minorities indicates that if proper controls are provided in research designs, crime is not more widespread among ethnic minorities than among comparable majority groups. Explanations of crime among ethnic minorities should rely on the same set of variables that is used to explain crime in general. Crime victimization is higher among ethnic minorities, and victimization effects tend to be aggravated by marginal societal positions that hinder adequate access to relevant institutions. Discriminatory handling of ethnic minorities by criminal justice personnel consists generally of the use of offensive verbal or other harassing behavior (e.g., stop and search). Research on victimization among ethnic minorities should be extended, since it is currently limited and piecemeal. Although human relations training for criminal justice personnel is important in improving their interaction with minorities, criminal justice personnel are not primarily responsible for society's race relations problems or relations among ethnic groups in general. Opportunities to overcome deprivation and to develop bonds to conventional society are crucial to a reduction in crime and victimization among ethnic minorities. 1 figure