Examining Disparities in Pre-Conviction Detention: A Race and Gender Analysis of Criminal Charging and Detention Practices in Ramsey Countyention Practices in Ramsey County

Race and gender disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system are well documented, primarily in sources of national post-conviction data. However, localized and pre-conviction studies remain limited. This study examined race and gender disparities in pre-conviction detention outcomes and charge severity in Ramsey County, Minnesota, between 2017 and 2019. Using a descriptive, exploratory quantitative design and a retrospective single-cohort analysis, the researcher analyzed trends in arrests, charge severity, and pre-conviction incarceration duration across race and gender groups. Findings indicate disparities in both charge rates and pre-conviction detention durations, with Black men and Native American women experiencing longer periods of incarceration. However, unlike national trends, race does not appear to influence charge severity, suggesting that racial disparities persist in arrest and detention outcomes but not in the charges filed. While most research on justice disparities relies on post-conviction data, this study highlights how disparities emerge at the earliest stages of the criminal justice process. By analyzing pre-conviction jail booking data, the researcher fills a critical gap and establishes a benchmark for future study and intervention. Importantly, in this study, blame is not assigned to any agency or group; instead, the researcher sought to enhance understanding of structural patterns within the pre-conviction justice system. Findings will contribute to ongoing discussions of race, gender, and criminal justice, thereby providing a foundation for future research and policy considerations.