In early June, the Yolo County Public Defenders had a march in front of the Yolo Courthouse to emphasize the unequal access to justice that Black and Brown people have in the criminal legal system.
Public Defender Tracie Olson, on TV later that week, was asked about the disparities in the system, and responded, “Honestly we see Black people go to prison for crimes that white people don’t go to prison for…On April 20, I looked at the jail population. We had about a little under 200 people in the jail, 49 of whom were Black. So that’s 25% of our Yolo County jail population is Black. Yolo County’s demographic population is 3% Black. So we have over an 800% over-representation of Black men and women in our local jail. So it is a local problem.”
DA Jeff Reisig in multiple press releases took the comments as a personal affront and demanded to Ms. Olson “the ethical and legal obligation is on you to appear in public session before your employers, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, and demonstrate the truth of your televised allegations of racism and corruption against judges and law enforcement from two weeks ago with facts and evidence. On issues as important as these, at a time as critical as now, silence or fact-dodging is not acceptable.”
On Tuesday, the board of supervisors put forward a resolution that goes far broader than a strict focus on the criminal legal system. However, they acknowledge the core underlying issue that Public Defender Olson attempted to highlight.
In a resolution that recognizes “racism as a public health crisis,” one of the provisions notes: “Black and Latinx residents of Yolo County are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.”
The core of the message goes far deeper, recognizing “socio-economic and race-based disparities,” racial gaps in life expectancy, and “racism creates health inequities that result in disparities in 
family stability, physical and mental wellness, education, employment, public safety, criminal justice and housing.”
Full resolution…
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
WHEREAS, historically, racism has manifested as discrimination and oppression toward numerous populations resulting in suppression, trauma and long-term detriments; and
WHEREAS, the United States Office of Disease Prevention recognizes that discrimination negatively impacts health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, in Yolo County we have local data that demonstrates the tremendous impact that social and institutional inequities like racism have on life expectancy across different communities in the county; and
WHEREAS, disparities start early, are rooted in social and economic inequities, and manifest themselves in poor health outcomes throughout life; and
WHEREAS, from unmet childcare needs to disparate third grade reading levels, Yolo County recognizes the socio-economic and race-based disparities; and
WHEREAS, individuals living in certain affluent areas of Yolo County can expect to live approximately 14 years longer than their counterparts living in less affluent areas; and
WHEREAS, racism has given rise to further geographic segregation and disproportionately exposes Black and Latinx people to poor air quality, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of recreational and health care facilities; and
WHEREAS, Black and Latinx residents of Yolo County are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, when the building blocks for a healthy, long and prosperous life are disproportionately allocated, the community as a whole suffers; and
WHEREAS, educating the community on racial health inequities, processing the trauma of the past, creating a new narrative based a vision of health equity, equal justice and impartiality, can help to heal and change a community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Yolo County affirms that racism creates health inequities that result in disparities in family stability, physical and mental wellness, education, employment, public safety, criminal justice and housing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Yolo County has committed to a course of action that recognizes and addresses racism and its attendant inequities in a manner that will endeavor to erase the pernicious and destructive damage of racism by ensuring meaningful progress in improving, for the good of all residents, inequalities in physical and mental health, education, employment, public safety, the judicial system and housing.
Could you possibly give us a breakdown of what crimes these 49 individuals committed in Yolo county?
Even if the sheet I received were not redacted – which it is – that information is not available.
The vast majority of county jail inmates (approximately 70% nationwide) have not been convicted of any crime.
A more meaningful statistic might be to show what percentage are ultimately convicted, and whether or not there’s differences between skin color, regarding that (among those arrested).
Skimming through the resolution itself, it appears to be nothing more than hot air.
Ron
From the point of view of a local, now retired MD, I can assure you that these statements, at least as regards medical care in our community are anything but “hot air”.
I would argue if the County Governing Board acknowledges them it would be revolutionary. I think Ron is mistaking this for an action item – it’s not – it’s a recognition though.
Actually, I have a question regarding that, as well. Does this mean that those 70% have never been convicted of any crime? Or, just that no judgement has been made regarding what they’re currently being accused of?
No it means they are there pretrial and their current status is based on suspcion not conviction.
Thanks. The manner in which Eric worded that seemed to imply that they had never been convicted of any crime.
But perhaps the more important figure is how many of those being held actually are convicted, e.g., on average.
Ron,
Why would that matter unless you believe individuals should be incarcerated for past crimes for which they have already served their sentence?
Tia: Again, Eric’s comment implied that they had never been convicted of a crime.
That’s all I was trying to clarify.
But the more important number here is what percentage are ultimately convicted of the crime that they’re now accused of, on average.
Another possibly interesting statistic to look at (e.g., in regard to the 200 in the local jail) is the type of crime that one is accused of, and whether or not there’s differences between skin color regarding that.
For example, are the 49 African-Americans being accused of a lesser crime, than the other 150 or so detainees?
A lot of this type of examination is not necessarily going to point to one conclusion, or another. Unless one is looking at it with an intent to prove a point, to begin with.
But, one thing I’m pretty confident in saying is that most detainees are probably younger males, thereby proving that the system is stacked against that cohort/gender. 😉
That would provide some relevant information, unless the rate of convictions is also subject to racial bias. Consider, for example, the following finding of the National Registry of Exonerations, at UC Irvine:
http://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Documents/Race_and_Wrongful_Convictions.pdf
Good example, the Brooklyn series we’ve been running, I believe 24 of the 25 exonerees were Black
In addition to your good point, remember the adage, “Past performance (people or processes) is no guarantee of future results”… so, we’re agreeing, but I’m amplifying…
If one were to actually examine this issue (honestly), you’d have to examine whether or not African-Americans (for example) commit crimes at a higher rate, and what types of crimes.
I don’t have much faith that such an examination is forthcoming. And yet, it’s the elephant in the room, that no one wants to examine. It seems to be much more “popular” these days, to just claim that the criminal justice system itself is racist. The problem is that this argument lacks credibility, without such an examination.
Without an honest examination (and/or acknowledgement), none of the other statistics provide much evidence of discrimination regarding the criminal justice system itself.
Ron – has it ever occurred to you to do basic Google searches before posting comments?
On this subject, I would recommend Prof. John Pfaff’s research. “Locked In” is a good start, but you can find various essays of his elsewhere. These have been addressed in the literature.
Here’s another well-known finding from the system:
Link
“In the 39 states for which we have sufficient police data, Black adults were more than four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white adults.”
ibid
Regarding the “past crimes” comment, one might also examine what percentage of those who have been convicted are ultimately convicted again.
But, it’s really a side point.
That’s called recidivism. It is also a well studied topic.
Has it ever occurred to you to present the full story, without bias (and insults)?
I can tell you that (with near-certainty) that there is a “societal belief” that African-Americans commit more crime, or certain types of crime. Suggest that you address that, before concluding that the criminal justice system is targeting African-Americans for no reason.
Actually, I did post an article which showed that it is, in fact, true. No, it wasn’t from some right-wing source.
But what I actually see is a societal refusal to even examine the issue, fully. It is simply too politically-unpopular to do so.
Has it ever occurred to you that I’m writing an article, not publishing a study? There is plenty of information out there and your initial comment acted as though you had a novel concept.
“I can tell you that (with near-certainty) that there is a “societal belief” that African-Americans commit more crime. ”
And I can tell you that’s part of the problem, not part of the solution. The basic finding from the research is that blacks are more likely to get arrested for the same crimes, more likely to be charge, more likely to serve time, and more likely to serve longer time for comparable crimes. That’s the problem. I’ve been publishing this stuff for over a decade – studies, findings, etc. There is a lot out there. This was a simple piece on a BOS resolution. I’m not going to turn it into a dissertation. I suggest if you are interested in this topic – since you keep commenting on it, you must be – you do more reading.
And, the resistance to honestly examine this issue is strongest among those with a particular point of view.
There is no resistance. I’ve published it. This article was not about the questions you are asking. That’s extra.
Here is a very comprehensive article I published from six years ago: https://www.davisvanguard.org/2014/07/report-to-committee-on-elimination-of-racial-disparities-in-us-criminal-justice-system/
That’s “a” problem, which is also likely related to differences in crime rates to begin with. It’s a side-effect, as is an inordinate number of traffic stops.
When you start with actual differences in crime rates, please do let me know.
Racism underlies the criminal legal system – at every step. That’s why the nation is having this conversation.
There is no honest conversation occurring. And, there’s not likely to be one.
Remember Mr. Pickles?
One would actually do best to steer away from the entire issue, or just go along with the flow.
You’re moving the goalpost here. My point is the reason we have seen what we have since May 25 is that there is a problem and people are responding to that problem.
But, as long as there’s not an honest conversation, there won’t actually be any resolution. Instead, most folks will just keep quiet, realizing that there’s no way to discuss this issue honestly. It’s a “lose-lose” proposition to even try to do so.
And presenting statistics which don’t actually address the issue ultimately won’t convince anyone, other than those already convinced of a particular point of view.
What you’re seeing nationwide, however, is that folks don’t want police to engage in unnecessary violence. A relatively easy thing to agree on, and something that was not previously so obvious.
You’ll also see cell phones and other video sources increasingly used to show violent crimes, though.
Every day. And, studies that you do present are those which support whatever you’re trying to “prove”.
Truth be told, I think you’re too wrapped-up in this issue to examine it objectively.
Ron – You keep harping on the alleged “resistance“ to honestly address or understand the issue. You apparently mean identifying differences in “actual” crime rates between Blacks and whites.
I’m curious as to how you would design a statistical study to answer that question. There are variables you can control for—e.g., income level, age, education. But other factors influence crime rate data that can’t be measured or controlled for, most notably systemic biases at all points of the criminal justice system, including those David identified in his 11:15 a.m. comment.
Perhaps the resistance is on the part of those who refuse to recognize the effect of racism in influencing the available data and, consequently, public perceptions.
Such an examination would not necessarily be limited to “blacks” and “whites”. There may very well be differences regarding other groups, as well.
It’s entirely possible that “whites” engage in more crime than other groups, for example.
The “harping” that you are detecting is due to the resistance that I’m perceiving by some to even consider the question, before concluding that the result is due to a racist criminal justice system. I’m sure that a lot of people would consider the question itself to be “racist”, despite it being FUNDAMENTAL, regarding “results”.
It would be challenging to do so, given that some would then claim that the system is biased (and therefore cannot represent results accurately), rather than being due to differences in crime rates.
One aspect that might be looked at (rather easily) is the crime rate in traditionally “black” neighborhoods (e.g, the murder rate). Then, compare that to traditionally “white” or “Asian” neighborhoods, for example.
A “chicken-and-egg” scenario. Which came first? Crime rate, or perceptions?
“Such an examination ”
Such an examination has been conducted over the years by people with decades of training in such matters and who are experts on both them and statistical methods. You seem to be unaware of this volume of research. I recommended one such book. You made no comment about it.
When these conversations arise you raise objections that have already been raised and discarded and call for examinations that have already been done – here and elsewher.e
Just to clarify, you’re claiming that the referenced book shows that there’s no difference in crime rates between those of different colors?
I call b.s.
That’s not my claim. My claim is expressed at 11:15.
Just to clarify, you’re claiming that the referenced book shows that there’s no difference in crime rates between those of different colors?
I call this complete and total b.s., if that’s what’s being claimed. And if you believe it, that would explain a lot.
It would almost be statistically impossible for that to occur, and defies common sense.
Again, I posted an article which showed the opposite.
Not quite so “easily.” If, for example, there’s a far greater police presence, or more frequent police random stops in non-white neighborhoods, then the data aren’t comparable.
This is what 538 referred to as the “Collider bias” problem – link
Namely, “the crime data that shows racial bias is, itself, biased by racist practices.”
Count up the dead/murdered bodies during a given period in one area, and compare it to another. Parts of Chicago come to mind, recently.
Unless you think the police are “dumping” them there, to prove a point.
I’m starting to think that an old (but modified) saying might apply to the entire situation:
“Racism is in the eye of the beholder”. Or, at least “interpreted” by those eyes, at times.
What a “beautiful and uplifting” thought, like the original saying. 😉
“Count up the … bodies”. But if Blacks are more likely to be charged with first degree murder than whites, and more likely to be convicted even on the same charges, or if whites are more likely to be charged with manslaughter under similar circumstances, can we conclude the murder rate is higher in the Black neighborhood?
Or to put it another way, even if we accept Ron’s contention on crime rates (and there are mixed results there imo), that only addresses step one – arrests, not the rest of the equation.
Unequal enforcement? Sure.
But, I suspect that a lot more murders/serious crimes go unsolved, in areas primarily occupied by African-Americans. And, a lot more of them occur.
So, is the system “stacked” against whites, since they’re more likely to be caught and prosecuted? 😉
Before I commit more “faux pas”, is it now “blacks”, or is it “African-Americans”? This type of thing changes more often than advances in computer technology, and it’s such a BIG DEAL.
After all, I better prove that I’m not a racist or insensitive jerk. (Well, too late for the latter, at least.)
That leads me to an important question – why is Ron focused on murder when murder is a tiny fraction of the incarcerated population?
It was an example, but I wouldn’t even listen to the guy, if I were you. 😉
You win – the system is out to get certain groups, for no reason other than the color of their skin. Nothing to do with crime, other than on the part of the police and system.
Point one: what course of action?
Point two: “improving… inequalities”?
As to point 1, would have been better if there was indeed, a course of action that the BOS adopted…
As to point 2, would have beet better worded if “reducing”, “mitigating”, or “eliminating” was used instead of “improving”… by about 180 degrees…
The other concept that gets confused… “equal opportunity”, vs. “equal outcomes”….
Society can and should make “equal opportunity” a strong goal… “equal outcome” is often based on an individual, or their situation growing up…
Ex. : a white male, growing up in an affluent family, but a dysfunctional family, may have a poorer outcome than a female POC in a lower middle-class loving, supportive family…
Just saying… I was lucky… lower middle class family, loving/supportive… good outcomes… but yeah, a white male… some would say it is all due to “that”… but we struggled to afford college, so was the first in my immediate family to get a degree… and two professional registrations…
I believe that is at the core of the disagreements here (and all over the country). A more ‘conservative’ belief is ‘equal opportunity’, a more progressive belief is ‘equal outcome’. My heart is with the progressive belief. My life experience is that government F-s up most everything it touches and makes the problems worse, and that government cannot be seen as the savior for these problems. Simply giving money, in whatever form or program, often exacerbates the problem long-term, and creates new self-perpetuating bureaucracies and money holes.
It would be heartless to fail to recognize that, overall, some groups’ starting lines in the ‘race’ of life are far behind the starting lines of others. This isn’t ‘fair’. The group trauma caused by horrific practices such as slavery cannot simply be brushed off. These hurts permeate cultures and peoples.
I don’t know what the resolution does. This seems worded as a trap. How could a politician vote against such a resolution? They would be branded a racist in the modern climate. So they acknowledged something and pledge something — the below.
the Board of Supervisors of Yolo County has committed to a course of action that recognizes and addresses racism and its attendant inequities in a manner that will endeavor to erase the pernicious and destructive damage of racism by ensuring meaningful progress in improving, for the good of all residents, inequalities in physical and mental health, education, employment, public safety, the judicial system and housing.
Is it so far fetched to call this hot air? It seems the supes have declared a completely undefined set of programs that would require massive redistribution of wealth far beyond their willingness to instigate nor their powers to implement.
I invite you to prove me wrong. But I have a feeling if we were to re-visit this resolution one year from today, those who found the resolution appealing will be very disappointed in anything the supes have done to make it for reals.
Alan
“Simply giving money, in whatever form or program, often exacerbates the problem long-term, and creates new self-perpetuating bureaucracies and money holes”
Your statement seems to erroneously imply that government aide entails “simply giving money”, but that is often not the case. Without social security, a government program, I would have been homeless and reliant on charity for food after my father’s death. Who would have benefitted from that outcome? My first job, designed specifically for at-risk youth was funded by taxpayer funds and was instrumental in me later getting private-sector jobs. Where was the long term harm? My entire education from public schools, community college, state university, UCD medical school, my internship at a county hospital, and first two years as a GMO were all government-subsidized. Would our society be better served if only the independently wealthy could hope for professional careers?
I think many who default to a generalized criticism of government assistance may fail to be aware of its many benefits and/or somehow believe that private enterprise +/- individual philanthropy is somehow sufficient or nobler. I believe this is an erroneous perspective.
“Is it so far fetched to call this hot air? “
I believe it is for several reasons.
1. I do not equate aspirational statements with “hot air”.
2. I don’t think I have ever seen systematic improvement occur without some form of preceding articulation of values and goals.
3. I am an impatient woman. I am likely to be disappointed in the degree of progress made. That does not mean that progress has not occurred even if not at my desired pace.
There is no intent to “prove you wrong”, only to present a very different perspective.
If someone had ancestors who had been on this continent for untold thousand of years, and some guy landed here on a ship from White-O-World and thought he was India, would those people be referred to as “Indians” for hundreds of years after the fact?
Seems far fetched . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VyfP0AkQbw
The ‘disappearances’ have increased in recent weeks. Silence is violence, but it’s OK to silence others, ‘because we can’ — people of privilege with the privilege of protecting others from so-called hurtful words. Not a demeaning stance at all.