Officer observations and disproportionate minority youth arrest: origins, outcomes, and opportunities

Disproportionate minority confinement (DMC) has been examined in juvenile justice research. However, studies associated with characteristics of criminal and juvenile justice personnel in relation to the high rate of minority youth arrest rates is deficient. Using nearly 100 surveys, the purpose of this study is to identify the opinions of law enforcement personnel in association with official data provided by the Uniform Crime Reports. Chi-square results reveal that race (as well as other characteristics) are significantly linked with opinions related to disproportionate minority youth arrest. This includes reported explanations, impact, and solutions (i.e., ideas related to nonarrest measures, etc.). Areas of further inquiry, limitations, and policy implications are provided.