By John F. Dovidio and Phillip Atiba Solomon

There are substantial and persistent racial disparities in policing in the United States. Although disparities do not necessarily indicate discrimination, there is significant evidence that racism, operating in various forms, is a major factor. We adopt a multilevel perspective in our review and analysis of the empirical literature. We consider five levels of processes relating to racial biases in policing and public safety to identify ways of achieving equity. These levels are the nano-level (intrapersonal), the micro-level (interpersonal), the meso-level (organizational), the macro-level (pan-organizational, institutional, or systemic), and the megalevel (cultural, societal, or narrative). We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical promise of adopting a multilevel perspective and highlighting the pressing need to reconceive policing in the United States to meet the needs of contemporary society.

RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences 11(3): 22–85.

By Susanne Dell and Graham Robertson

Summary of main points

•The Maudsley Monographs are a series of publications that report on work carriedout in the Institute of Psychiatry and the associated Hospital.

•The monographs cover both clinical problems and scientific fields relevant topsychiatry.

•This particular monograph focuses on offenders in Broadmoor Hospital.

•The authors of the monograph are Susanne Dell and Graham Robertson.

•The monograph includes references to various studies and publications related toforensic psychiatryand the treatment of offenders.

•The authors express gratitude to Dr. Paul Bowden, Dr. Adrian Grounds, and othersfor their input and assistance in the preparation of the monograph.

Oxford University Press, 1988, 170 pages