A report released by Human Rights Watch reveals that only a small percentage of those convicted of drug crimes have violent felony histories. It is well known that males in the 15 to 24 age group commit a disproportionate amount of crime, and that rates fall off fairly dramatically in the succeeding age cohorts. There is a new cohort of 15 year-olds entering the high crime rate years annually. Residents experience discrimination, chronic unemployment and social isolation from the labor market. Gang activity and drug distribution networks provide violent role models and opportunities to participate in the illicit economy.
Young people are at high risk of being victimized and of participating in violence.
Many have not developed competencies, social skills or self discipline. Lacking a significant stake in mainstream society or the future, many abandon conventional goals, drop out of school, and adopt dysfunctional lifestyles. Thus, the most productive years of young African-American males are being squandered. More than 4 in 10 female inmates reported they had been physically or sexually abused before they entered prison. About half the inmates under the influence at the time of the offense had been drinking 6 hours or more.