SAN DIEGO — New data reveals a significant racial disparity in arrests made by the San Diego Police Department, with Black residents being arrested at a rate seven times higher than white residents.
According to arrest data released by SDPD under the California Public Records Act, Black San Diegans comprise less than 6% of the city’s population but accounted for 26% of arrests last year. The data shows the disparity has remained consistent over the past three years, despite Black arrest rates dropping significantly statewide over the past three decades.
“A disparity refers to a difference in outcomes between groups, such as the likelihood of being stopped or searched, without necessarily implying intent,” said San Diego Police Captain Charles Lara. “Discrimination involves intent, and when allegations of discriminatory policing arise, we take them seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”…