racial equity

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Source: Massachusetts State Police

What does this measure?

The number of people arrested by race/ethnicity, expressed as a rate per 1,000 residents of that race/ethnicity.

Why is this important?

Arrests represent individuals' entry into the public safety system. Increases in arrest rates can be an indication of increased crime, increased enforcement, or both. Disparities in this rate by race or ethnicity can highlight structural differences in how communities are affected and treated by the public safety system. Having been arrested can impact on a person's ability to access employment and other opportunities.

How is Brookline doing?

In 2021, Brookline had an arrest rate of 1 per 1,000 white residents, 0.8 for African Americans, and 0.1 per 1,000 for Hispanics and Asian residents. Arrest rates among all groups in Brookline have declined since 2011.

Brookline's 2021 rate among African Americans was lower than Cambridge (3.0) and Everett (1.7). Its rate among Hispanics was second lowest behind Everett and on par with Arlington. Brookline's rates for all groups were lower than the state.

Why do these disparities exist?

Disparities in adult arrests are the result of racialized stereotypes, policies and practices and community conditions. Stereotypes that portray Black and Latino people, especially males, as inherently dangerous, criminal, and violent lay the foundation for police surveillance and disparate and harsher treatment by the criminal justice system. Communities of color are more likely to be under surveillance and policies such as stop and frisk perpetuate increased police contact. Punitive drug laws have had disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities. Even though Blacks and whites have similar rates of drug use, Black people are more likely to be arrested and experience harsher sentences. The concentration of Black and Latino communities in highly segregated communities with limited economic opportunities and ineffective schools may also foster crime involvement.

Notes about the data

Comparable national data is not available.

Arrest Rates, by Race/Ethnicity, 2021
AsianBlack or African AmericanHispanic or LatinoWhite
Brookline0.10.80.11.0
Arlington, Middlesex County0.00.20.11.2
Cambridge, Middlesex County0.23.01.34.1
Everett, Middlesex County0.21.70.05.9
Newton, Middlesex County0.20.90.92.6
Norfolk County0.11.50.63.8
Essex County0.11.64.39.5
Middlesex County0.31.31.65.6
Massachusetts0.22.32.48.9

Source: Massachusetts State Police
Notes: Per 1,000 Residents




Number of Arrests, by Race/Ethnicity, 2021
AsianBlack or African AmericanHispanic or LatinoWhite
Brookline545357
Arlington, Middlesex County27656
Cambridge, Middlesex County23358155489
Everett, Middlesex County12811289
Newton, Middlesex County227983231
Norfolk County911,1044072,753
Essex County1041,2913,4957,711
Middlesex County5012,1572,6239,095
Massachusetts1,18816,19516,67561,655

Source: Massachusetts State Police






INDICATORS



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