Background and Significance: Implicit bias in the criminal justice system contributes to significant racial disparities between Marion and Hendricks counties, where individuals from marginalized racial backgrounds and lower-income communities—especia
...lly in Marion County—face disproportionately higher arrest and prosecution rates. These disparities are closely tied to systemic inequalities in education and poverty, with Marion County experiencing higher rates of under-resourced schools and poverty compared to the more affluent and predominantly white Hendricks County.
Research Objectives or Purpose:
The objective is to examine how implicit bias related to race, education, and poverty contributes to disparities in criminal justice outcomes between Marion and Hendricks counties. The research aims to identify the systemic factors driving these differences and evaluate how they affect arrest, prosecution, and sentencing practices across communities.
Data and Methods:The study analyzed arrest rate data per 100,000 residents by race from Marion and Hendricks counties, comparing rates for White and Black individuals. Quantitative methods were used to highlight racial disparities, showing that in both counties, Black residents experience arrest rates nearly five to six times higher than White residents—2,565 in Marion County vs. 513.56 for Whites, and 2,473.13 in Hendricks County vs. 424.32 for Whites.
Findings:The analysis shows that Black residents face arrest rates five to six times higher than White residents in both Marion and Hendricks counties, indicating systemic racial bias in policing. These disparities are further compounded by unequal access to quality education and higher poverty rates—particularly in Marion County; where underfunded schools and limited economic opportunities increase vulnerability to criminal justice involvement.
Implications:
At the micro level, implicit bias training for police officers and educators can help reduce discriminatory practices in daily interactions. At the meso level, schools and community organizations can collaborate to expand early childhood education and support services in underserved neighborhoods. At the macro level, systemic reforms.such as equitable school funding policies and comprehensive police accountability measures.are essential to address the root causes of racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal justice system.
This website shows the art portfolio and the senior thesis project I worked on throughout my time as a college student along with details about who I am as an artist.