NCJ Number
155893
Date Published
1992
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This report of the Interim Study Committee on the Problems of Black Males in Indiana identifies problems that are facing this group and offers remedial legislation.
Abstract
The Committee held several meetings in Indiana's largest urban areas with significant African-American populations, so as to receive testimony from civic leaders and citizens. It also established five volunteer lay-member subcommittees charged with obtaining research and other statistical information. The subcommittees obtained information on African-American males in Indiana regarding employment, criminal justice, health, education, and social factors. Summaries of testimony and suggestions/solutions in each of the aforementioned areas are provided. In the area of health, the committee found that homicide and unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death for African-American males in the State. In Indiana the death rates due to homicide are greater for African American males than for white males. This trend is also evident at the national level. In the criminal justice area, there was general agreement that police officers and the courts treat African- American males more severely that white males. The committee approved legislation that would grant 2 years of credit time to offenders who earn a GED, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree while imprisoned. A maximum of 4 years of credit time could be earned by an offender under this provision. Legislation in the other areas of the Committee's work is also outlined. A witness list is included.