Racial disparities in NH’s justice system

After analyzing data gathered from New Hampshire’s county jails, NHPR reports that blacks and Hispanics are far more likely than whites to be arrested and jailed in the granite state. 

According to the report, blacks are 2.8 times more likely to be arrested and 5.2 times more likely to be jailed.  Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to be arrested and 2.5 times more likely to be jailed.  These disparities are higher than the national average, NHPR reports.

A recent study from the Sentencing Project also found that blacks and Hispanics are far more likely to be incarcerated in New Hampshire’s state prison than whites.  New Hampshire compared more favorably to the rest of the U.S. in that report, however; New Hampshire had the fourth lowest incarceration rate among black male adults. 

Regardless of how New Hampshire compares to other states, there is a clear racial disparity at all levels of the criminal justice system, in New Hampshire and nationally.

The most obvious cause of racial disparities is a bias in favor of whites, whether conscious or unconscious, among members of the criminal justice system.

Another important factor is the socioeconomic disadvantage of non-whites.  Blacks and Hispanics are more likely than whites to live in poverty, which makes it far more difficult to hire a lawyer or pay bail.  A disadvantaged upbringing is also generally associated with a higher chance of one day committing a crime.

How can New Hampshire decrease racial disparities in the criminal justice system? 

The Sentencing Project recommends that states start by lowering penalties for drug crimes, which would decrease overall incarceration rates. 

Another option is more training to recognize unconscious or implicit racial bias.  Administrative Judge Ed Kelly told NHPR he plans on holding bias training for New Hampshire’s judges.

What do you think the state should do about racial disparities in the criminal justice system?  Let us know in the comments.