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50% Of Black Men Arrested By Age Of 23
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 21, 2014
Modified Jan 21, 2014
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jan 21, 2014
Modified Jan 21, 2014
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A study released by the journal Crime & Delinquency shows that close to 50% of black men and 40% of white men have been arrested at least once on a non-traffic related offense by the age of 23. Now seems an opportune moment to remind employers that discriminating against applicants who have a criminal record is illegal.
"Among criminologists, I don't think they're that surprised or alarmed by the findings," criminologist and co-author of the study Robert Brame told the AP. "The alarm and concern is among people not as familiar with the patterns."
The researchers found that by age 18, 30% of black men, 26% of Hispanic men, and 22% of white men had been arrested; 20% of black women, 18% of white women, and 16% of Hispanic women had been arrested by age 23.
The results of the study came from a survey of roughly 7,000 people. A similar study in 1967 found that 34% of men had been arrested by age 23. Research released in 2011 reported a similar number.
"Many, many people are involved with the criminal justice system at this level," a criminologist not involved with the study tells the AP. "And treating them all as if they're hardened criminals is a serious mistake."
Governor Cuomo has taken steps to raise the age at which children are tried for crimes as adults, from 16 to 18, by the end of this year.
Tagged
drug war
law and order
Prison-Industrial Complex
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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