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County analysis finds Black and Indigenous people overrepresented in Whatcom County jail, commission says
Summary
A preliminary data analysis presented to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee found Black and Indigenous people are substantially overrepresented in Whatcom County’s jail population in 2023–24; presenters and members urged better data collection, evaluation of diversion programs, and more lived-experience input.
LEDE: A preliminary data analysis presented Nov. 20 to the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee found that Black and Indigenous residents are substantially overrepresented in Whatcom County’s jail population in 2023 and that the disparity worsened in 2024, presenters said.
The findings were delivered by Leo Angiano, identified in the meeting as a data analyst for the commission, who used American Community Survey population figures and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s jail-use annual report to compare county demographics with the jail population.
NUT GRAF: The analysis — described as preliminary and limited by gaps in local data — highlighted sharp disproportionality by race and called for routine tracking of full racial and ethnic backgrounds, further study of diversion programs and public reporting so policy decisions can be evidence-based. Committee members pressed for follow-up on length-of-stay, bail and repeat bookings to understand how different charges and procedures affect who remains in custody.
WHAT THE ANALYSIS…
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