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  3. Racial Disparities in Marijuana Possession Arrests

Racial Disparities in Marijuana Possession Arrests

According to this study completed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Iowa was the state with the highest disparity in marijuana possession arrests across the nation, with Blacks being 8.34 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession (2010). According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and Health (2001-2010), despite the pronounced disparities in arrest rates of Whites and Blacks for marijuana possession, rates of marijuana use and non-use between Whites and Blacks nationwide are roughly equal. For instance in 2010, 14% of Blacks and 11.6% of Whites reported using marijuana in the past year.

FROM THE SURVEY:

  • One-third of Black survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “As it relates to safe neighborhoods in Dubuque, I have concerns with discrimination.”

FROM THE DIALOGUES:

There were no comments directly related to this data point in the dialogues.

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Safe Neighborhoods
The topic of safe neighborhoods includes looking at one's personal safety in their neighborhood, data around arrest rates, interaction with emergency services, neighbors and more. It's important to think about other factors that create safe neighborhoods including people who are engaged and connected, and the neighborhood is thriving and vibrant. Read more about the Community Equity Profile and our process → Download a pdf of Safe Neighborhoods (Equity Profile introduction and Dubuque's demographics will be included) →

Safe Neighborhoods

  • Racial Disparities in Marijuana Possession Arrests

    According to this study completed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Iowa was the state with the highest disparity in marijuana possession arrests across the nation, with Blacks being 8.34 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession (2010). According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and Health (2001-2010), despite the pronounced disparities […]

  • Drug Charges in Dubuque

    Local arrest data in Dubuque shows a decline in drug charges for White males and Black females, but an increase in Black male and White female drug charges from 2010 to 2013. This data, obtained from the Dubuque Police Department, only reported White and Black race options. This means that all other races/ethnicities are included […]

  • Dubuque Crime Rates vs. Other Iowa Cities

    The violent crime rate consistently decreased in Dubuque from 2008-2012, compared to rates in most other Iowa communities, which stayed the same or increased. The rate of property crime in Dubuque increased slightly over that five-year period. FROM THE SURVEY: Theft and property damage were the areas of highest concern for respondents. FROM THE DIALOGUES: […]

  • Traffic Violations in Dubuque

    This data, obtained from the Dubuque Police Department, only reported White and Black race options. This means that all other races/ethnicities are included in the White category. FROM THE SURVEY: There were no direct comments related to this data point on the survey. FROM THE DIALOGUES: There were no direct comments related to this data […]

  • Arrests in Dubuque

    Local arrest data in Dubuque shows that arrests in all categories, except White female, have declined since 2010. This data, obtained from the Dubuque Police Department, only reported White and Black race options. This means that all other races/ethnicities are included in the White category. FROM THE SURVEY: Theft and property damage were the areas […]

  • Vacant/Abandoned Buildings

    FROM THE SURVEY: There were no comments directly related to this data point in the survey. FROM THE DIALOGUES: There were no comments directly related to this data point in the dialogues.