May 2013 Durham Prison Pipeline Report

Last month I started trying to analyze the charging information for Durham along age and race lines. I believe that we are using our criminal system to make criminals out of our children, our poor folks, and our mentally ill. I can imagine pre-charge diversion / warning programs that surroud these vulnerable folks with services before we discard them into our prison/jail system. Once these folks are caught in the revolving doors of our criminal justice system it is almost impossible to recover from the stigma. To become involved in our criminal justice system is to receive a permanent disability that will follow you the rest of your life.  We should be working really hard to avoid that disability for people already vulnerable and struggling.

From the work of Richard Ross, Juvenile in Justice project (http://www.juvenile-in-justice.com/)

In May 2013 there were 3,121 charges; 68% of these charges were issued to people of color, 32% were issued to white folks. There were 94 kids charged who were 16 or 17 years old at the time of their charge; 71% of these kids were of color, and 29% were white. These charges were mainly misdemeanors including, trespass, misdemeanor larceny, simple possession of marijuana, injury to personal property, simple assault, and resisting arrest. There were 221 charges for simple possession of a controlled substance; 76% of these charges were issued to people of color and 24% were issued to white folks. There were 53 charges for resisting arrest; 77% of these charges were issued to people of color and 23% were issued to white folks.

These statistics show a continuation of the April statistics - a clear racial disparity in the way charges are issued in our County. They also show that we are criminalizing our children. 

We need a pre-charge diversion program for our kids seventeen and younger. In other countries, police issue warnings to the children on condition that they engage in a restorative justice process, treatment, or counseling. These programs show great success in reducing crime, and empowering victims, and strengthening community abilities to resolve crime without suspensions and prison.