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Race and Criminal Justice: Black People Working in the Criminal Justice System

NCJ Number
137032
Date Published
1992
Length
32 pages
Annotation
It is important that black people be represented at all levels in criminal justice system agencies.
Abstract
Noting what has been achieved in the courts, including the legal professions, the probation service, and the Prison Service to improve the recruitment of black staff, this report identifies obstacles to change and proposes practical steps for positive action, setting targets and timetables, recruitment strategies, good management practices to retain staff, career development, promotion, and monitoring to produce measurable improvements. Initiatives to increase the recruitment of black staff should provide the basis of an overall strategy to implement equal opportunities policies in all aspects of work. The Bar Council's race equality policy adopted in 1991 provides a good model for other agencies to follow. The report makes recommendations which include the need for the government to consider introducing stronger employment legislation.