Application: Disproportionate Minority Contact or Confinement

Disproportionate minority contact or confinement (DMC) involves the overrepresentation of minorities in the criminal justice system. It is difficult to know exactly what causes DMC and multiple factors seem to contribute to the issue. Some scholars (e.g. Hawkins, Leonard) argue that DMC points to potential discriminatory practices built into the criminal justice system. Other scholars (e.g. Kakar) argue that DMC may occur due to poor family structure and lack of economic opportunities for minorities. Most likely, the root of the issue is multi-faceted and requires a variety of approaches to address it. DMC is a complex concept in criminal justice, and it is important for you as a current or future criminal justice professional to think about strategies to decrease and prevent it in the future.

The assignment (2-3 pages):

• Describe three factors that might contribute to disproportionate minority contact or confinement (DMC) and explain how.

• Describe at least two approaches that might decrease DMC in the criminal justice system and explain how.

• As a current or future criminal justice professional, describe two strategies you might employ to prevent DMC in the future, and explain why you selected these strategies.

Part B- The assignment-

For this week's assignment, you are to complete a paper on the issue of what Cohen refers to as the "Perpetual Crisis in Public Management." In this paper, summarize the main arguments Cohen makes. Then explain the effectiveness of at least two government responses to a crisis using the course readings for this week. Finally, taking the role of a leader in a nonprofit or government organization, explain what actions you might take to improve accountability and responsiveness to the constituents (citizens or clients) you serve.

If you are a non-U.S. student, explain how there may be a "perceptual crisis in public management" in your home country and what the government has done to address this crisis.