NCJ Number
73669
Date Published
Unknown
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The extent and nature of crime in black communities is discussed; recommendations for deterring and reducing such crime are presented.
Abstract
Studies of crime in major cities have shown that blacks are much more likely to be victims of crime than are whites. The courts and the legislature can help to correct black victimization by passing and enforcing fair, fixed, and certain punishment for major violent crimes. Certain fixed punishments ensure that violent offenders are punished for what they do, not what they are. Still, the law and the criminal justice system can only do so much; blacks themselves must demonstrate leadership in the criminal justice area. The majority ethic in the black community emphasizes obedience to the law. Blacks should speak out in their homes, on the streets, and in the schools so that crime is viewed by the young as a serious deviation from the accepted community ethic. Furthermore, fair and forceful law enforcement should not be interpreted as police brutality against blacks. Cooperative arrangements between police and residents of high-crime black communities should also be established. Footnotes which include references are provided.