Race, Probation Violations, and Structured Secure Detention Decision Making in Three Jurisdictions

Abstract

The relationships between race and probation violations with preadjudication secure detention decision and detention hearings are examined in three jurisdictions in a Midwestern state that use a detention screening instrument. Interpretations of consensus theory and the racial or symbolic threat thesis with an emphasis on race stereotyping serve as the theoretical background for the study. The results reveal race to be influential in detention decisions in one jurisdiction, while involvement in probation violations is associated with the initial detention decision in all three jurisdictions. Implications for future research and for assessing whether the structuring of detention decision-making results in greater equality in detention proceedings for minority youth relative to White youth are discussed.