On the Fact that the Disparity Between White and Black Arrest Rates in New York City Actually Goes Down When You Look at the Less Serious Offenses; Petit Larceny, Misdemeanor Assault, Misdemeanor Sexual Misconduct, etc.

There are of course various interpretations for this. But the one that makes the most sense to me is that the cops (knowing fully well that black suspects resist arrest at a far greater rate than the white, Asian, and Hispanic ones do) just don't need the hassle and would much prefer to let that black kid have the stolen donut or the cheap feel than end up on MSNBC, The HuffPo, etc. looking like the bad guy. I mean, I wouldn't take the risk. Would you?