"It Was a Bum Rap": Self-Reports of Being Erroneously Arrested in a National Sample. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pollock, Wendi; Menard, Scott
• Is Part Of: Criminal justice review. Volume 39:Number 3(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 338
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: police processes -- law enforcement/security -- police culture/accountability -- quantitative methods -- other; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 345.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016814536029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-0168

Abstract

Individual-level predictors of erroneous arrest for illegal behavior are investigated using a national level, probability sample. The analysis specifically examines whether being a "usual suspect" based on previous criminal behavior and being male; "guilt by association" based on the illegal behavior of one's friends; academic achievement; and sociodemographic variables including ethnicity and socioeconomic status, impact the likelihood of being erroneously arrested for a crime. Results suggest that officers may be erroneously arresting minorities and individuals who have low academic achievement. Implications for policy and future research are considered.