Is disproportionate minority contact improving? An exploratory analysis of the arrest, confinement, and transfer stages in rural and urban settings

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe extant literature has consistently recognized the existence of disproportionate minority contact (DMC); however, explanations for its existence have varied. The purpose of this study was to explore DMC reduction at the arrest, confinement, and transfer stages of the juvenile justice system in 10 rural and urban counties in a midwestern state from 2006 through 2011. Results indicated little to no success in DMC reduction at any of the stages in urban settings since 2006. There were also no geographical differences in DMC reduction across rural and urban settings. Research and policy implications acknowledging a need for incentives and substantive initiatives to encourage and guide states in their DMC reduction efforts are included.