| This paper presents findings from two related community surveys of minority residents in California, taken at two points in time. The common experience of minority residents, especially immigrants, with a range of criminal justice and legal system issues is explored. Key analyses involve the experience of residents with the legal system and with police, attitudes toward the police, and willingness to participate with the criminal justice system. Particular attention is paid to contradictory positive attitudes toward the police and simultaneous desire to not engage them. The paper also analyses the responses in the context of current police practices, community debate, and certain cultural variables. |
Updated 05/20/2006