A Call to Dismantle Systemic Racism in Criminal Legal Systems

Objectives: In October 2021, the American Psychological Association (APA) passed a resolution addressing ways psychologists could work to dismantle systemic racism in criminal legal systems. In the present report, developed to inform APA’s policy resolution, we detail the scope of the problem and offer recommendations for policy makers and psychologists to address the issue by advancing related science and practice. Specifically, we acknowledge the roots of modern-day racial and ethnic disparities in rates of criminalization and punishment for people of color compared with White people. Next, we review existing theory and research that helps explain the underlying psychological mechanisms driving racial and ethnic disparities in criminal legal systems (e.g., endorsement of negative stereotypes, explicit and implicit bias). We also elucidate how racially disparate treatment generates downstream negative mental health consequences for people of color. Conclusions: Evidence-based recommendations to work toward eliminating systemic racism in the criminal legal systems include (a) rigorous measurement and analysis of disparities; (b) targeted changes in policy, practice, and law; (c) increased access to culturally aware and competent services and interventions; (d) design and promotion of education and training programs regarding racial bias; (e) increased attention to issues of intersectionality; and (f) promotion of diversity and fair-mindedness among criminal legal actors.