ACLU report finds that Black Rhode Islanders are disproportionately arrested for drug posession

In Rhode Island, black people are almost three times more likely than white people to be arrested for drug possession, even though studies show that blacks and whites use illegal substances at about the same rate. That’s according to a recent report by the American Civil Liberties Union, drawing from 2014 law enforcement data. Rhode Island’s rate is higher than the national average, with black people being arrested at 2 and a half times the rates of white people. Executive Director of the Rhode Island affiliate of the ACLU Steven Brown said unfortunately these statistics are not surprising. A report conducted by the ACLU a few years back found similar disparities in arrests for marijuana possession in the state. Brown says that the ACLU’s latest study is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to address these disparities. – an important step being the decriminalization of marijuana possession and use. “Too many people are getting arrested for that offense, too many families are being broken up and ruined, because of these types of charges, the so called War on Drugs has been going on for decades and has really not made a dent in illegal drug usage,” said Brown. Brown said he hopes that the study is wake-up call for Rhode Islanders to look more closely into the decriminalization of marijuana. Rhode Island hasn’t had a ballot measure about legalizing marijuana, but a proposal to legalize pot is on the Massachusetts ballot this November. Some Rhode Island lawmakers say the Massachusetts decision could impact recreational marijuana plays out in the state.