The analysis showed that black and Latino youths were consistently more likely than white youthful offenders to be placed in secure detention by both the police and the courts. The seriousness of these felony cases was measured by offense behavior, including victim injury and weapon possession. When additional offense characteristics -- have a co-offender, multiple charges, and drug offenses -- were factored into the analysis, race remained principally important in the detention decision. This study suggested that some social factors, i.e., low socioeconomic status and family problems, could be important in the detention decision, but are not as significant as race. 5 notes and 16 references