Black and White Drug Arrests in Chicago: Integrating the Selective Aspects of Arrests for Gambling, Prostitution, and Drug Law Violation

• In Event: Fifty Years of Drug Arrests: Crime Control or Oppression? (Session 1)

Abstract

After reviewing the annual counts and rates of drug arrests in Chicago from 1960 to 2010 and comparing these patterns with patterns for gambling and prostitution arrests, for the same period, we discuss the selective nature of arrests for these “crimes against society”, noting in particular the absence of identifiable victims and complaining witnesses and the necessity for police policy, discretion, and decision making. After reviewing the research and other discussion of the relationships among drug arrests and sources of police department income, such as Byrne Grants and asset forfeiture, we assess the extent to which the selective aspect of drug arrests has been studied and then discuss the possible impact of laws prohibiting some types of gambling, some types of prostitution, and drug possession on homicide rates.

Authors

• Roland Chilton, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

• Wenona Rymond-Richmond, University of Massachusetts, Amherst