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Charlotte-Mecklenburg
2015 Criminal Justice System
Public Perceptions Study
Quantitative Report
Prepared by
Voccii, LLC
REVISED December 2015
Table of Contents
Executive Summary......................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology................................................................................................................................... 5
Perceptions of Crime in Mecklenburg County ................................................................................ 8
Viewpoint on Criminal Justice Funding Allocation ....................................................................... 11
Perceptions of Performance of Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice System ........................... 12
Viewpoint on Arrests and Citations .............................................................................................. 13
Viewpoint on Bail and Release Conditions ................................................................................... 15
Viewpoint on Sanctions and Sentencing ...................................................................................... 17
Youthful Offenders........................................................................................................................ 20
Experience with Criminal Justice System ...................................................................................... 22
Victim Status ................................................................................................................................. 23
Perceptions of Racial Inequalities in the Justice System .............................................................. 24
Communications/Opinion Influences ........................................................................................... 26
Respondent Demographics ........................................................................................................... 28
2
Executive Summary
Perceptions of Crime:
Over half (52%) of Mecklenburg County residents rate crime as a not serious or a neutral problem
compared to other problems the community is facing.
•
•
•
The percent of residents who believe crime is a serious or extremely serious problem fell from 55
percent in 2012 to 48 percent in 2015.
The top two categories of crimes that all respondents are most worried about are
robbery/burglary/breaking & entering, and gun violence/murder.
African American respondents are more likely to think crime is a serious or extremely
serious problem (53%); followed by Whites (50%) and Hispanics/Latinos (25%).
Respondents favor prevention, such as youth education and employment programs as the top priority for
dealing with crime. There has been a significant shift since 2012, from enforcement to prevention as the top
priority.
Funding Allocation:
Respondents want their county tax dollars spent equally on incarceration and on funding rehabilitation
programs.
Performance Ratings:
•
•
Consistent with 2012 ratings, the criminal justice system was rated “average to good” for
performance. A significant drop in perception of the job being done by police and law enforcement
was observed, compared to 2012; however, this rating still fell in the “average to good” range.
Performance ratings of judges/courts and probation/parole improved significantly compared to
2012 ratings.
Arrests and Citations:
Respondents favor not arresting a person for low-level, non-violent crimes (64%), and specifically favor
payment of a fine (41%). However, for those who favor arrest, the fact that arrests are more costly than
citations does not measurably impact their position.
Bail and Release:
Most respondents (80%) favored non-financial options for the release of low risk defendants prior to their
court date hearing.
Nearly 30% favor release on unsecured financial bond, where payment is only required if the person is rearrested or fails to appear in court.
• Twenty percent believe a financial payment should be required from low risk defendants to be
released while awaiting court date.
3
Sanctions:
Consistent with 2012 findings, 87% of respondents believe it is important or very important to provide
judges and prosecutors with detailed social and criminal background information at sentencing.
Respondents (75%) favor rehabilitation versus punishment for offenders; however this preference is
significantly lower than in 2012.
• Consistent with 2012 ratings, respondents support or strongly support community-based or non-jail
programs. This support increased slightly when respondents were told that the cost of incarceration
is generally more expensive than community-based programs.
• African Americans and Hispanics tend to more strongly support community-based or non-jail
programs, while whites tend to favor punishment for crimes.
Youthful Offenders:
Respondents think people should be held responsible as adults for all types of criminal charges at age 18 or
even 16. However, respondents think youthful offenders should not be arrested/get a criminal record if they
successfully complete a program of meetings and community service.
Racial Disparities:
Respondents believe there are racial inequalities in the criminal justice system. Specifically, they tend to
think:
• Certain groups are going through the justice system at much higher or somewhat higher levels
(66%).
• People of other races and ethnicities are not treated the same way as people of their same race
(57%).
• People of other races and ethnicities are not treated fairly in the justice system (45%).
• African American and Hispanic respondents are more likely to think there are inequities in the
justice system compared to white respondents.
Police and law enforcement are viewed as doing an average to good job overall in ensuring fair treatment of
county residents despite differences in race or ethnicity. However, this perception does vary by race. White
respondents rate police and law enforcement, as well as most other justice system groups, significantly
higher in performance than African American respondents.
Opinion Influences:
Media and news reports on radio or television and on the internet have some influence on respondent’s
opinions of the Mecklenburg County criminal justice system. Family and friends are another source of
influence.
4
Methodology
This study was conducted using a combined methodology of online surveys and telephone surveys.
The online survey fielded June 19-26, 2015; and the telephone survey fielded June 26 – July 7,
2015.
A total of 406 surveys were completed with adults residing in Mecklenburg County (75 by phone;
331 via online).
•
•
•
An online panel of respondents was used for the online survey, sourced through Qualtrics.
Panels consist of respondents who have opted in to accept survey invitations, to avoid
issues with Spam laws and regulations. They are highly representative of the population and
much more effective than telephone surveys.
To ensure all segments were eligible for inclusion, a random sample of landlines and cell
phones were used by Survey Sampling, Inc. to complete the phone interviews. All calls were
made by live operators to avoid issues with telemarketing regulations related to cell
phones.
The CJS sample is representative of Mecklenburg County based on key demographics of gender,
race/ethnicity, and age. Listed below is a comparison of actual demographics to sample
demographics.
Gender:
Male
Female
Race/Ethnicity:
White, non-Hispanic
African American
Hispanic of all races
Other
Mecklenburg
Census Data
CJS Sample
2012
(n=501)
CJS Sample
2015
(n=406)
48%
52%
50%
50%
45%
55%
51%
31%
12%
6%
50%
30%
12%
8%
51%
33%
12%
5%
5
Age:
18-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Mecklenburg
Census Data
CJS Sample
2012
(n=501)
CJS Sample
2015
(n=406)
31%
23%
19%
14%
13%
30%
20%
19%
16%
16%
32%
23%
18%
14%
13%
Statistical Notes:
Margins of error are based on sample size. Based on the number of completed surveys (n=406), the
margin of error (at the 95% confidence level) is +/- 4.9%.
Significance testing was performed between the following groups:
• 2015 versus 2012 (where applicable)
• White versus African American
Note: There are not enough observations in the Hispanic subgroup for significance testing.
Statistically significant differences will be indicated. The significantly higher number will be shown
in red.
Higher percentages (the bases for results statements and conclusions) in the tables are highlighted
in gold.
This project was made possible by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
6
Detailed Findings
7
Perceptions of Crime in Mecklenburg County
Fewer than half (48%) of Mecklenburg County residents rate crime as a serious or extremely
serious problem. This rating is significantly lower than 55% in 2012.
•
•
•
•
There are no significant shifts in individual categories (not serious, neutral, serious,
extremely serious), but rather a general shift towards the “less serious” end of the scale.
Nearly 20% of respondents in 2015 though that crime is not a serious problem in
Mecklenburg County.
African Americans are significantly more likely than whites to characterize it as an
“extremely serious” problem: 23% rated crime as an extremely serious problem compared
to 14% of white/non-Hispanics.
Three-quarters of Hispanic/Latino respondents are either neutral or think crime is not a
serious problem. Hispanics conveyed a more positive outlook compared with other races.
Thinking about the problems facing Mecklenburg County today,
how serious a problem is crime?
Not Serious (1-4)
Neutral (5-6)
Serious (7-8)
Extremely Serious (9-10)
Mean
2012
(n=501)
Total
2015
(n=404)
15%
28%
36%
19%
6.7
19%
33%
33%
15%
6.26
Slightly more than one-third of respondents have the perception that crime has increased over the past
three years. Similar to 2012 ratings, over one-third (35%) of respondents think crime has increased in
Mecklenburg County over the past three years.
Would you say the amount of crime in Mecklenburg County over the past three years has …
Increased
Stayed the same
Decreased
Don’t Know
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=404)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=130)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
34%
33%
26%
6%
35%
31%
19%
15%
34%
34%
18%
14%
40%
23%
21%
16%
27%
40%
17%
17%
8
Similar to 2012, robbery/burglary and violent crimes are the most common types of crimes that residents
worry about on a day-to-day basis. The top two categories of crimes that all respondents are most worried
about are:
•
•
•
•
•
Robbery, Burglary, Breaking & Entering
Gun violence, Murder
Assault, Attacks
Rape
Drugs
40%
21%
5%
5%
3%
In day to day life in Mecklenburg County, what types of crime, if any, do you personally worry about?
Robbery/stealing/theft/break-ins/burglary/breaking
& entering/home invasion
Gun violence/shootings/murder/killing/violent crime
Assault/attacks
Rape
Drugs
Property damage/vandalism/graffiti
Kidnapping/abduction
Car theft/smashing car windows/stealing from cars
Hate crimes/racial crimes/race issues/burning
Mugging
Gang
Carjacking
All types/everything
Petty theft
Identity theft
School violence
Crimes against children/molesting/child abuse
Racism with law enforcement/police brutality
Domestic violence/violence against women
Drunk drivers
Scams targeting seniors
Fraud
Traffic crime/road rage
Stabbings
Mentions
Total
2015
(n=406)
Mentions
White/non
-Hispanic
(n=206)
Mentions
African
American
(n=132)
Mentions
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=47)
211
89
79
32
112
27
14
14
11
10
10
9
7
6
5
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
56
11
10
13
8
6
4
48
7
4
1
2
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
7
5
1
1
1
5
4
4
3
4
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
3
4
1
1
3
1
2
1
9
Teenage truancy
Human trafficking
Black on black crimes
Larceny
Terrorism
Internet scams
Sexual harassment
Misdemeanor
Loitering
Don’t worry/none/nothing/NA
Mentions
Total
2015
(n=406)
Mentions
White/non
-Hispanic
(n=206)
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
59
1
1
1
1
1
30
Mentions
African
American
(n=132)
Mentions
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=47)
1
1
1
1
1
14
11
Nearly half (47%) of respondents favor prevention, such as youth education and employment programs as
the top priority for dealing with crime in Mecklenburg County. This rating is significantly higher than 35% in
2012.
•
•
Whites, African Americans and Hispanics all favor prevention. African Americans are significantly
more likely to favor prevention than whites.
Although enforcement is not as popular overall compared to 2012, it is still a top option (along with
prevention) for Whites. Whites are significantly more likely to favor enforcement.
Please tell me which one of the following four options you think should be the top priority for
dealing with crime overall in Mecklenburg County? (Select One)
Prevention, such as youth education and
employment programs
Enforcement, such as more police on the streets
Rehabilitation, such as job training, community
service, treatment
Incarceration, such as time in jail or prison
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=404)
35%
47%
33%
23%
20%
22%
11%
9%
10
Viewpoint on Criminal Justice Funding Allocation
Nearly half (46%) of respondents want their county tax dollars spent equally on incarceration and on funding
rehabilitation programs.
Responses for 2015 varied by race. All three races favor equal funding.
• White respondents favor incarceration significantly more than African Americans.
• African Americans favored both options equally compared to white/non-Hispanics.
On which of the following two options would you most want your county tax dollars spent? (Select one)
Total 2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=404)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
Incarceration, or putting offenders
25%
14%
20%
in jail
Funding of
treatment/rehabilitation
68%
35%
33%
programs that address offenders’
underlying criminal behavior
Both equally
7%
46%
40%
Don’t Know
1%
5%
7%
Note: “Both equally” was a new option provided to survey participants in 2015.
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
5%
10%
39%
38%
55%
2%
46%
6%
11
Perceptions of Performance of Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice System
Consistent with 2012 ratings, the criminal justice system was provided average to good ratings for
performance.
• There was a significant drop in perception of the job being done by police and law enforcement,
compared to 2012; however, this rating still fell in the “average to good” range. Whites rated their
performance as significantly higher compared to African Americans.
• Ratings for judges/courts and probation/parole employees increased significantly over 2012.
Next I’d like your opinion of how well different groups in the Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice System
are doing in serving the public. Please rate each of the following groups on the quality of job you feel they
are doing, using a scale between 1 and 10, where 1 means extremely poor and 10 means extremely well.
Police and law
enforcement
Jails and detention
facilities
Prosecutors and
district attorneys
Judges/courts
Public defenders
Probation and
parole employees
Mean
2012
(n=501)
Mean
2015
(n=406)
2015
Extremely
Good
(9-10)
2015
Good
(7-8)
2015
Average
(5-6)
2015
Poor
(1-4)
7.1
6.5
20.2%
36.4%
29.6%
13.9%
6.1
5.9
13.8%
28.9%
37.4%
19.8%
5.9
6.1
12.5%
31.5%
40.4%
15.6%
5.8
5.5
6.1
5.8
13.4%
12.4%
33.0%
25.4%
34.5%
41.7%
19.2%
20.6%
5.4
5.8
11.2%
25.2%
45.6%
18.0%
NOTE: Assigned Ratings:
9 – 10: Extremely Good
7 – 8: Good
5 – 6: Average
1 – 4: Poor
12
Viewpoint on Arrests and Citations
More than six out of ten respondents (64%) favor not arresting a person for low-level, non-violent crimes.
Respondents favor payment of a fine over a summons to appear in court only.
• Only 27% of respondents overall favor arrest as the best strategy for handling low-level, non-violent
crimes.
• Results did not vary by race.
In general, which of the following do you believe is the best strategy for handling low-level, non-violent
crimes? Would you say…..(Select one)
Arrest the person, set bail, and
detain in jail until the bond
requirement is fulfilled
Do not arrest the person, but
write a citation requiring the
person to appear for a court date
Do not arrest the person, but
write a citation requiring payment
of a fine or a court appearance
I don’t know
Total
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
27%
27%
23%
29%
23%
24%
27%
10%
41%
39%
43%
46%
10%
10%
7%
15%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
Respondents who preferred arrest (27% of the total sample) were informed that arrest and processing is
more costly than issuing a summons to appear in court. Overall, cost does not sway the opinion of white
residents who favor arrest and sways only 40% of African Americans who favor arrest.
Upon learning of the additional cost, almost three-quarters of respondents overall (73%) still favored arrest
and detainment in jail over a citation, even though it is more costly.
• Whites were significantly more likely to maintain their original preference for arrest (87%) while
40% of African Americans shifted towards issuing a citation.
13
Arrest requires the officer to bring the person to jail where they must be processed. Arrest and processing
is more costly than issuing a citation to appear in court. Arrest and processing also removes the officer
from service in the community. How does knowing this impact your opinion about issuing a citation,
rather than making an arrest, as a strategy for handling low-level, non-violent crimes? Would you
say….(Select one)
You still feel strongly that the person
should be arrested and detained in jail
You still prefer arrest and detaining the
person, but not as strongly as before
You are slightly more in favor if issuing a
citation rather than making an arrest
You are definitely more in favor of
issuing a citation rather than making an
arrest
I don’t know
2015
(n=147)
White/nonHispanic
(n=55)
African
American
(n=30)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=14)
57%
71%
40%
33%
16%
16%
17%
14%
16%
11%
20%
7%
8%
2%
20%
7%
3%
0%
3%
14%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
14
Viewpoint on Bail and Release Conditions
Most respondents (80%) favored non-financial options for the release of low risk defendants prior to their
court date hearing.
•
•
•
•
Twenty percent believe a financial payment should be required from low risk defendants to be
released while awaiting court date.
Nearly 30% favor release on unsecured financial bond, where payment is only required if the person
is re-arrested or fails to appear in court.
Whites and African Americans are most likely to favor an unsecured financial bond whereas
Hispanics’ preference is for release on their own recognizance.
African Americans also prefer release under court-ordered supervision, and along with Hispanics,
favor electronic monitoring as a release option.
Which of the following release conditions do you favor for accused defendants who are at low risk of
failing to appear in court for trial and at low risk of committing a crime? (Select one)
Release on their own recognizance,
which is a written promise to appear
in court
Release on unsecured financial bond,
where payment is only required if the
person is re-arrested or fails to
appear in court
Require payment of a secure
financial bail amount in order to be
released from jail while awaiting
court date
Release under court-ordered
supervision while awaiting court
date, which requires reporting to
pretrial services and random drug
testing
Release on electronic monitoring
I don’t know
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
17%
17%
15%
23%
28%
30%
27%
19%
19%
22%
15%
13%
15%
14%
18%
10%
13%
9%
9%
8%
17%
8%
19%
17%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
15
When setting release conditions, 88% of respondents think it is extremely important that judges and
prosecutors are provided with information of the defendant’s risk of committing a crime or not appearing in
court. Results did not vary by race.
How important is it to you that judges and prosecutors are provided with information of the defendant’s
risk of committing a crime or not appearing in court when setting their release conditions?
Not Important at All (1-2)
Neutral (3)
Important (4-5)
2012*
(n=501)
2015
(n=392)
White/nonHispanic
(n=200)
African
American
(n=130)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=44)
3% (1-4)
5% (5-6)
91% (7-10)
2%
10%
88%
1%
8%
91%
1%
12%
87%
2%
14%
84%
Note: This is a modified question for 2015.
*Comparisons to 2012 are estimated, based on different scales (2012 scale is shown in parenthesis.)
16
Viewpoint on Sanctions and Sentencing
Consistent with 2012 findings, 87% of respondents believe it is important or very important to provide judges
and prosecutors with detailed social and criminal background information at sentencing.
•
•
Over half (56%) of respondents overall think it is extremely important that judges and prosecutors
are provided with detailed social and criminal background information about accused offenders
when sentencing them. This is significantly lower than the 70% in 2012.
Results did not vary by race.
How important is it to you that judges and prosecutors are provided with detailed social and criminal
background information about accused offenders when sentencing them?
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=403)
White/nonHispanic
(n=204)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=47)
Not Important (1-4)
Neutral (5-6)
Important (7-8)
4%
7%
17%
5%
13%
26%
5%
13%
27%
9%
14%
23%
2%
11%
21%
Extremely Important (9-10)
70%
56%
55%
55%
66%
Three quarters (76%) of respondents favor rehabilitating offenders so they don’t commit crimes again versus
punishing offenders and keeping them off the streets. This is significantly lower than the 85% preference in
2012.
•
•
African Americans are significantly more in favor of rehabilitation (versus punishment) compared to
whites.
Although significant differences cannot be tested, Hispanics respondents are more likely to favor
punishment than the other groups.
For non-violent crimes, what do you believe the most important goal of sentencing should be? Is it: (Select
one)
Punishing offenders and keeping
them off the street
Rehabilitating offenders so they
don’t commit crimes again
I don’t know
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
13%
20%
20%
14%
29%
85%
76%
74%
85%
63%
2%
4%
6%
2%
8%
17
Consistent with 2012 ratings, nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents support or strongly support
community-based or non-jail programs. African American respondents are significantly more likely to
strongly support community-based or non-jail programs.
In general, what is your level of support for community-based programs or non-jail sanctions, instead of
incarceration, for lower risk offenders?
Strongly Oppose Community-Based or Non-Jail
Programs (1-4)
Neutral (5-6)
Support (7-8)
Strongly Support Community-Based or Non-Jail
Programs (9-10)
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=405)
7%
8%
16%
30%
19%
32%
46%
41%
Respondents were told that the cost of holding a person in jail or prison is generally more expensive than
community-based programs. This resulted in a slight increase in support across all groups.
• However, the shift in support does not appear to be as strong as in 2012. In the previous survey,
there was a 10% increase in strong support based on the cost information. In 2015, this positive shift
is only 8%.
While the majority of respondents overall maintained their same position, there was some movement
towards stronger support for community-based or non-jail programs based on cost factors.
• Whites who opposed the programs were not impacted by the cost considerations. The additional
support came from white respondents who were originally neutral or slightly supportive.
• African American respondents were more strongly impacted by the cost of holding a person in jail.
Almost half of those who opposed community-based or non-jail programs in the beginning changed
to a supporting position based on the cost information. Over half (57%) of African Americans who
were neutral became supporters based on the new information.
Respondents who oppose community-based programs and non-jail sanctions cite the following reasons:
• Criminals should be punished
• Programs are not effective and do not rehabilitate criminals
• Criminals continue to repeat crimes
18
If 1-4 (Oppose Community-based programs and non-jail sanctions), why do you say this?
When you commit crime you should be punished
Programs are not effective/do not work/cannot
Felons are released with a slap on the wrist and
they keep committing crimes/judges just let them
go and they keep committing crimes
Liberal bias/needs to be proven
Safety/theft/do not trust
Benefit for incarceration and rehabilitation
Waste of money/cost
Opinion is in the middle
People deserve a second chance
Fine line between crime and minors
Want community to be better
Depends on who is running program and the focus
Both require a great deal of resources and should
be consistent across communities
My opinion changed knowing they are worse if
Because/don’t know/not sure/NA/prefer not to
Mentions
Total
2015
(n=56)
Mentions
White/nonHispanic
(n=39)
21
4
19
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
9
Mentions
African
American
(n=6)
Mentions
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=6)
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
19
Youthful Offenders
Respondents think people should be held responsible as adults for all types of criminal charges beginning as
early as 16, but clearly by age 18. Results did not vary by race.
At what age do you believe people should be held responsible as adults, and treated as adults for all types
of criminal charges? [Open ended]
Age
# Mentions
Total
2015
(n=401)
# Mentions
White/nonHispanic
(n=204)
# Mentions
African
American
(n=131)
# Mentions
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=47)
Under 14
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Over 21*
11
12
27
93
38
159
2
17
29
13
6
10
13
53
17
83
2
1
9
27
13
56
2
6
12
3
2
6
10
6
5
11
5
14
1
6
3
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
*Those responding “over 21” likely misunderstood the question, perhaps putting in their own age by mistake. This
does not impact the findings significantly.
Over half (52%) of respondents think youthful offenders should not be arrested or get a criminal record if
they successfully complete a program of meetings and community service.
• African Americans tend to favor this more than Whites and Hispanics.
• Although support of prosecution is low, whites are significantly more likely to support prosecution
than African Americans.
20
Minor crimes include behaviors such as trespassing, public affray (or fighting), communicating threats,
disorderly conduct, simple assault, larceny or theft, damage to property, or being undisciplined, truant
and a runaway. For a “youthful offender,” someone between the age of 16 and 20, charged with minor
crimes, which do you favor? (Select one)
Prosecution and a criminal record
Diversion from arrest program, where they are
not arrested and do not get a criminal record if
they successfully complete a program of
meetings and community service
Arrest, but no prosecution, if they are put under
court-ordered supervision and successfully
complete treatment program
I don’t know
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
10%
13%
6%
8%
52%
49%
58%
46%
33%
34%
32%
35%
5%
4%
4%
10%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
21
Experience with Criminal Justice System
Around one-fifth of respondents reported that they or a family member have had some type of criminal
justice engagement.
•
•
•
•
Nearly a quarter (22%) of respondents reported that they or a family member have been stopped
and frisked with no charges made.
Fourteen percent of respondents reported that they or a family member have been detained
without cause.
About 19% stated that they or a family member have been jailed in Mecklenburg County.
African Americans (respondents or a family member) are significantly more likely to report having
been stopped and frisked, detained without cause and jailed in Mecklenburg County, followed by
Hispanics and then White respondents.
Have you or an immediate family member ever been stopped and frisked with no charges made?
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
Total
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latino
(n=48)
22%
73%
5%
15%
82%
3%
30%
64%
6%
25%
63%
13%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
Have you or an immediate family member ever been detained without cause?
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
Total
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latino
(n=48)
14%
84%
3%
8%
91%
2%
23%
73%
4%
13%
83%
4%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
Have you or an immediate family member ever been jailed at the Mecklenburg County jail?
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latino
(n=48)
19%
79%
1%
12%
88%
0%
32%
67%
2%
23%
71%
6%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
22
Victim Status
Nine percent of respondents reported that they or a family member have been a victim of a violent crime in
Mecklenburg County, which is significantly lower than the 20% in 2012. Similarly, the number of respondents
who were victims of non-violent crimes (29%) is significantly lower than the 49% in 2012.
•
•
Hispanics and African American respondents are more likely than white respondents to have been
the victim of a violent crime (although the difference is not statistically significant).
Conversely, white respondents are slightly more likely to have been the victim of a non-violent
crime in Mecklenburg County.
Have you or an immediate family member ever been a victim of a violent crime involving force or a
weapon in Mecklenburg County?
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=406)
20%
80%
0%
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
9%
89%
2%
7%
92%
1%
11%
87%
2%
13%
83%
4%
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
Have you or an immediate family member ever been a victim of a non-violent crime in Mecklenburg
County – an incident not involving a weapon or force?
2012
(n=501)
2015
(n=406)
49%
51%
0%
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
29%
69%
2%
33%
67%
1%
27%
70%
3%
27%
69%
4%
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
Nearly half (46%) of the respondents who were the victim of a crime believe that the crime was resolved in a
way that restored their sense of safety and quality of life. Results did not vary by race.
If yes, was the crime resolved in a way that restored your sense of safety and quality of life?
Yes
No
I Don’t Know or It Has Not Been
Resolved
2015
(n=121)
White/nonHispanic
(n=66)
African
American
(n=35)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=16)
46%
46%
45%
45%
46%
51%
44%
50%
7%
9%
3%
6%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
23
Perceptions of Racial Inequalities in the Justice System
Two thirds (66%) of respondents think certain groups are going through the justice system at much higher or
somewhat higher levels.
•
•
This is especially true in the African American population, where significantly more (over half, 52%)
believe certain groups are going through the system at much higher levels.
Whites were significantly more likely to think that there is a proportionate number of all races and
ethnicities in the justice system.
In your opinion, do you believe that certain racial or ethnic groups are in the jails or going through trials in
Mecklenburg County at a higher level than you would expect? (Select one)
Yes, certain groups are going through the justice
system at much higher levels
Yes, certain groups are going through the justice
system at somewhat higher levels
No, there is balanced and fair break down of
racial and ethnic groups going through the
justice system in Mecklenburg County
I Don’t Know
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
39%
29%
52%
40%
27%
27%
29%
25%
13%
17%
7%
15%
21%
27%
12%
21%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
Over half (57%) of respondents believe that people of other races and ethnicities are not treated the same
way as people of their same race.
•
•
African Americans are significantly more likely to think that people of other races and ethnicities are
treated differently than them.
Whites were significantly more likely to think people of other races are treated as equally, however,
they were also significantly more likely to be unsure of this, compared to African Americans.
Do you believe that people of other races and ethnicities are treated in the same way as people of your
race and ethnicity in the local justice system?
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latino
(n=48)
30%
57%
13%
38%
44%
18%
21%
73%
6%
21%
67%
13%
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
24
Nearly half (45%) of respondents think people of other races and ethnicities are not treated fairly in the
justice system.
•
White respondents are significantly more likely to believe that people of other races and ethnicities
are treated fairly, while the majority of African Americans and Hispanics feel there is unfair
treatment of other races and ethnicities in the local justice system.
Do you believe that people of other races and ethnicities are treated fairly in the local justice system?
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latino
(n=48)
38%
45%
17%
45%
33%
22%
33%
58%
8%
27%
54%
19%
Yes
No
I Don’t Know
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
On a scale between 1 and 10, with 1 being extremely poor and 10 being extremely good, respondents feel
various justice system groups are doing an average to good job of ensuring fair treatment despite
racial/ethnic differences, with ratings ranging between 6 and 7 for all agencies.
• Police and law enforcement are viewed as doing a fair job overall in ensuring fair treatment of
county residents despite differences in race or ethnicity. This perception varies by race however, with
white respondents tended to rate all agencies significantly higher, with the exception of probation
and parole.
Next, I’d like your opinion of how well different groups in the Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice System
are doing in ensuring fair treatment of County residents despite differences in race or ethnicity. Please
rate each of the following groups on the quality of job you feel they are doing.
Police and law enforcement
Jails and detention facilities
Prosecutors and district attorneys
Judges/courts
Public defenders
Probation and parole employees
Mean
2015
(n=406)
Mean
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
Mean
African
American
(n=132)
Mean
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
6.22
5.87
6.11
6.19
6.04
6.07
6.64
6.12
6.36
6.43
6.37
6.20
5.51
5.42
5.73
5.80
5.58
5.90
6.46
6.18
6.26
6.50
6.06
6.07
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
25
Communications/Opinion Influences
Media and news reports on radio or television and on the internet have “some influence” on respondents’
opinions of the Mecklenburg County criminal justice system. Family and friends are another source of
influence. African American and Hispanic respondents are more likely to be influenced by these sources than
white respondents.
•
•
African American respondents report significantly more influence by median and family/friends than
whites (all except interactions with CMPD)
African Americans also indicated that “education programs in schools or community events” was an
influencer, significantly more so than whites.
Other sources of information mentioned by respondents include:
• Social Media/Newspaper
• Neighbors/coworkers
• Police officers
In general, how have the following sources of information shaped your knowledge and opinions of the
Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice system? Would you say they have had a strong influence (4), some
influence (3), a little influence (2) or no influence (1)?
Media and news reports on radio or
television
Media and news reports on the internet
Information from family or friends
Interactions with the CMPD (the police
department)
Education or community programs at
local schools or community events
Media and news reports in print, such as
the newspaper or magazines
Personal experience with criminal justice
system
This survey
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/Latin
o
(n=48)
2.97
2.82
3.16
3.11
2.81
2.75
2.67
2.60
2.98
3.05
2.83
2.57
2.72
2.68
2.82
2.59
2.68
2.41
3.04
2.73
2.65
2.52
2.78
2.81
2.49
2.38
2.67
2.35
2.40
2.06
2.74
2.74
Note: This is a new or modified question for 2015. Comparable results from 2012 are not available.
26
Are there any other sources that have influenced your knowledge of or opinion about the Mecklenburg
County Criminal Justice System? [Open End]
Other Sources of Influence:
News/radio/social media/web/ Internet/
Charlotte Observer/phones
Neighbors/relatives/friends/coworkers
Officers/married to a cop/CMPD at HOA
Own experiences/working in a jail/previous
Politicians/attorneys/judge/governor
Crime stats in area/crimes
Justice system
Students/school
Programs
National events/national reports
Community involvement
Action or lack thereof
Talking with convicted criminals
Theft
Surveys
Available court dockets
Case studies
Jury duty
Justice system is a joke
No/na/can't think of any/none/nope/nothing
# Mentions
Total
2015
(n=383)
# Mentions
White/nonHispanic
(n=190)
# Mentions
African
American
(n=128)
# Mentions
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=47)
25
6
9
3
12
10
8
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
337
7
5
6
2
2
3
2
1
2
1
3
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
155
1
1
1
114
40
27
Respondent Demographics
Gender:
Male
Female
Race:
White, non-Hispanic
African American
Hispanic/Latino of any race
Other
Age:
18-24
24-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 and older
Employment:
Full-time
Part-time
Homemaker
Retired
Full-time Student
Unemployed
Disabled
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
45%
55%
52%
48%
33%
67%
54%
46%
51%
33%
12%
5%
----
----
----
14%
18%
23%
18%
14%
13%
10%
16%
21%
20%
15%
18%
17%
16%
32%
15%
14%
5%
17%
19%
10%
23%
19%
13%
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
49%
11%
8%
15%
4%
9%
5%
54%
8%
10%
19%
2%
3%
4%
45%
12%
3%
14%
6%
13%
8%
48%
10%
4%
8%
2%
21%
6%
28
Annual Household Income:
Less than $25K
$25K to $49K
$50K to $74K
$75K to $99K
$100K or more
I prefer not to say
2015
(n=406)
White/nonHispanic
(n=206)
African
American
(n=132)
Hispanic/
Latino
(n=48)
21%
24%
15%
13%
15%
12%
13%
21%
17%
17%
19%
12%
30%
30%
10%
8%
11%
11%
25%
23%
19%
6%
13%
15%
29