The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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The majority of blacks felt that the police pick on blacks a lot, while the white
youth felt that this occurs occasionally. The black youth who felt blacks were specifically
picked on by the police had the following to say. “If they see blacks in the streets at 12:00
P.M., they say, ‘Why ain’t you at home,’ or something like that. Even a grown up they
will say that too.”
Yeah, because when the police chief of Waterloo came to our school it
was part of D.A.R.E. program and he was talkin’ about drugs and stuff. He
said he was really having a problem with black teenagers on the corner
selling drugs, but he didn’t say nothing about the white teenagers. And if
you go over to the west side or out of town, you see white drug dealers on
the corner and stuff, but he didn’t say that. He just said specifically black
teenagers.
I feel they watch blacks more than they watch whites. I know they’re
supposed to be doing their job, but I just think they’re always watching
blacks, every little step they make.
There were a few blacks who did not feel that the police picked on blacks. These
individuals did not elaborate on their position.
The majority of white youth felt that maybe/sometimes, the police might pick on
blacks. When asked this question, a white male responded, “Not always. Sometimes.”
Another white male believes that if blacks are picked on it is due to an individual racist
officer. “Some, some of the more racial officers will pick on blacks.”
Respect
The youths were also asked if they respect the police. According to the self
reports, the results suggest a slight