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The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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Concern<strong>in</strong>g the specific f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs from phase one <strong>of</strong> the research, the <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />

257<br />

pretty much agreed with the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs. <strong>The</strong> first f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dicated that <strong>in</strong> Polk county<br />

blacks were more <strong>of</strong>ten deta<strong>in</strong>ed than whites. Explanations focused on the will<strong>in</strong>gness <strong>of</strong><br />

the families to get their children out <strong>of</strong> detention. <strong>The</strong>y also cited a crackdown on drug<br />

<strong>of</strong>fenses, which is perceived to be committed more <strong>of</strong>ten by blacks. Involvement <strong>in</strong> drug<br />

<strong>of</strong>fend<strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong> detention.<br />

<strong>The</strong> second f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g suggested females were more likely to stay <strong>in</strong> the community<br />

than similarly situated males. <strong>The</strong> decision makers felt that this was due to the fact that<br />

females do not commit as serious <strong>of</strong> crimes and/or there is a lack <strong>of</strong> suitable placement<br />

alternatives.<br />

It was suggested by the juvenile court <strong>of</strong>ficers that more m<strong>in</strong>ority be hired both <strong>in</strong><br />

the juvenile justice system and <strong>in</strong> the community as a whole, especially <strong>in</strong> the schools.<br />

Black role models were seen as particularly important <strong>in</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g the disproportionate<br />

overrepresentation <strong>of</strong> m<strong>in</strong>orities <strong>in</strong> secure facilities and <strong>in</strong> the system <strong>in</strong> general.

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