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CRIME, POLICE, AND RACE RELATIONS - A STUDY IN BIRMINGHAM

NCJ Number
14173
Author(s)
J R LAMBERT
Date Published
1970
Length
336 pages
Annotation
CRIME IS JUDGED TO BE RELATED TO THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEFICIENCIES OF AN INDUSTRIALIZED URBAN CITY INDEPENDENT OF THE RACE OF INHABITANTS, AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CONCLUSION FOR POLICE ATTITUDES AND ACTION ARE EXPLORED.
Abstract
FAMILY INSTABILITY, POOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, DRAB AND INADEQUATE HOUSING, AND RESTRICTED JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND SATISFACTION ARE CONSIDERED THE SOCIOECONOMIC PROBLEMS THAT TEND TO PRECIPITATE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT PATTERNS OF WHITE, MIDDLE CLASS RACIAL DISCRIMINATION CONTRIBUTE TO FORCES THAT RELEGATE BLACKS TO SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS THAT STIMULATE CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. BIRMINGHAM POLICE IN VARYING DEGREES REFLECTED THE RACIAL PREJUDICES OF THE WHITE MIDDLE CLASS. IT IS PROPOSED THAT THROUGH LEARNING, DISCUSSION, AND SOCIAL ASSOCIATION WITH BLACKS IN BEAT AREAS POLICE WOULD BE PREPARED TO DEAL SENSITIVELY AND EFFECTIVELY WITH THOSE CAUGHT UP IN THE PROBLEMS LARGELY ENGENDERED BY THEIR ENVIRONMENT.

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