Assessing for Racial Disparity in the Use and Effects of Disciplinary Segregation: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

• In Event: Gender and Racial Disparities in Corrections

Abstract

There are many indicators of racial disparity found throughout the criminal justice system in the United States. It has been well documented, for example, that individuals of color are more likely to be arrested, detained during pretrial, and incarcerated upon conviction when compared to whites. The existence of such disparity challenges the core values upon which our nation’s criminal justice system lies. A commitment to the pursuit of justice, fairness, and public safety compel justice officials to address disparate treatment when and where it exists. Recently, the use of restrictive housing in prison—often referred to as solitary confinement—has received an increase in national attention with one of its criticisms being that these settings house a disproportionate amount of minority inmates. Unfortunately, there are few empirical evaluations available that have examined the differential effects of race in segregation settings. This study, therefore, fills a significant gap in knowledge by assessing for racial disparity in the use and effects of disciplinary segregation. The findings of this study have direct implications for criminal justice policy and practice.

Author

• Ryan M. Labrecque, Portland State University