NCJ Number
128654
Date Published
1990
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Demographic characteristics of young males in custody in New York State show that most are black or Hispanic. Nearly 1 in 4 (23 percent) young black males is under the control of New York's criminal justice system.
Abstract
Black males are 23 times more likely to be locked up than white males. In total, 11 percent of New York's black males between 20 and 29 years of age are confined in a State prison or local jail. Of young Hispanic males, 12 percent are in custody, and this group is 11 times more likely to be incarcerated than young white men. About 6 percent of Hispanic males between 20 and 29 years of age are confined in a State prison or local jail. In contrast, less than 3 percent of young white men are under some form of criminal justice custody. Sanctions and penalties for black and Hispanic young men in New York are likely to be more severe than for white men. Two primary reasons are cited for the large percentage of blacks and Hispanics in the criminal justice system: deployment of law enforcement resources; and significant social and economic problems in minority communities. A principal factor contributing to the disproportionate involvement of minorities in New York's criminal justice system is how the government deploys law enforcement resources in the war against drugs. Further, prison expenditures have diverted government funds away from programs that could have greater success in reducing crime and improving the quality of life among New York's poor citizens. 14 charts