Abstract
The minority threat proposition posits that the size of minority populations is positively associated with levels of formal social control. Recent research in other nations has shown a clear and consistent relationship between the size of subordinate populations and the number of police as well as increased law enforcement spending. This study examined the relationships, in Canada’s largest cities, between six indicators of minority populations and both the ratio of police officers to residents and per capita policing expenditures. Inconsistent with the results of recent US, German, and Spanish studies, indicators of population heterogeneity were not significantly associated with police strength or spending. Levels of police-reported violent crime and population density, however, were strongly associated with both measures of police strength. Police strength was also positively associated with cities that had municipal police services, higher unemployment rates, and the percentage of conservative voters in provincial elections. Implications for the development of theories of formal social control are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
