Disproportionate number of black prisoners
01 January 1991
Disproportionate number of black prisoners
artdoc July=1991
Sixteen per-cent of the prison population in England and
Wales are black, more than triple the proportion in the
general population, according to a report released by the
National Association for the Care and Resettlement of
Offenders (NACRO).
The report `Race and Criminal Justice' reveals that
black women account for 24% of the prison population, that
black people are more often subjected to search and police
harassment than whites and are less likely to get bail.
Black prisoners, however, have fewer convictions than white
prisoners sentenced for similar offences. According to
Vivien Stern, director of NACRO, `These figures do not show
that black people are more prone to crime than white people.
The available evidence suggests that black people who offend
are more likely to go to prison.' (Independent 14.1.91;
Times 14.1.91; Today 14.1.91)
IRR Police-Media Bulletin no 67. Institute of Race
Relations, 2-6 Leeke Street, London WC1X 9HS