Topic 6 - patterns of crime and ethnicity ? Flashcards
Introduction?
Ethnic minorities, particularly Black Africans and African Caribbeans, are over-represented in the UK’s criminal justice system. However, statistical data on ethnicity and crime is often limited, with government departments primarily recording broad categories like Black, White, Asian, Chinese, and Mixed. Additionally, some individuals may choose not to identify their ethnicity, which can affect the accuracy of the data.
Official statistics, ethnicity, race and crime
UK census 2011?
The 2011 UK Census showed that 87% of the population was White, with smaller ethnic minority groups: 1.5 million Indians, 1.1 million Pakistanis, and 2 million Black Africans and Caribbean people. London is the most ethnically diverse region, while Wales is the least.
Ethnic minorities are over-represented in the criminal justice system (CJS). Police data from 2011-2012 showed Black people were 6-7 times more likely to be stopped and searched, and Asians were twice as likely. However, most searches do not result in arrests, with Asians least likely to be arrested.
Although White people make up 87% of the population, they accounted for only 70% of court appearances, while Black people (3.1% of the population) represented nearly 9% of court cases in 2011. Asians, 6.4% of the population, made up 5.5% of court appearances. Research by Mike Hough noted a higher risk of imprisonment for BME defendants.
Analysis by The Guardian (2011) found Black offenders were more likely to be imprisoned for driving offenses (44%), weapon possession (38%), and public disorder (27%). Asian offenders were 41% more likely to receive custodial sentences for drug offenses. Frances Done of the Youth Justice Board (2011) noted that disproportionate sentencing of Black and Asian youth was increasing.
Race and Victimisation data?
The Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) 2013-2014 found that adults from mixed, Black, and Asian ethnic groups were more at risk of personal crime than White ethnic groups. Those from mixed ethnic backgrounds were particularly vulnerable to victimization. In most murder cases, the victim and suspect were from the same ethnic group. White victims are often harmed by family members, Black victims by friends or acquaintances, and Asians by strangers.
Hate crimes?
In recent years, the police and criminal justice system have a legal duty to record hate crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity. While many hate crimes are violent, data reliability is an issue due to low reporting and inconsistent police recording. Police data from 2014-2015 showed that 82% of hate crimes were race-related, and 6% were based on religion. Many victims are unwilling to report hate crimes, and after high-profile events like the murder of soldier Lee Rigby, incidents of race and religion-based hate crimes surged.
