Again these perceptions were strongest among upper income households. Police Brutality, Racism and the Criminal Justice System Historically, Blacks have had a tenuous relationship with the city's police. On the one hand, they have disproportionately been the victims of police violence, while on the other, they have needed their assistance against crime. There is also a complex relationship with the larger criminal justice system. These problems are most exaggerated for Black men.
Police arrest blacks from all economic backgrounds.
Blacks were unequivocal in their view of police violence . Eighty-two percent indicated that police failed to treat all ethnic groups equally. Although fearful of the police, Blacks as noted, depend on them for protection and assistance. The respondent's solutions for changing police behavior were varied. Twenty-two percent identified troubled student home environments as a problem in public schools.