An overview of findings about arrests in California between 1980 and 2016 for different kinds of offenses, the demographic composition of those arrested, and how these patterns have changed over time. Arrests are the very first step in the criminal justice process and factors such as race, gender, and demographics have a direct correlation. In California, the arrest rate- both felony and misdemeanors charges- has dropped 58 percent since its peak in 1989. Other factors, however, are still contributing to these arrests. The demographics of who is arrested in California has shifted as well. In 2016, 41 percent of all arrests were of Latinos, 36 percent were of whites, and 16 percent were of African Americans. From 1980 to 2016, the arrest rate among those 17 or younger dropped by 84 percent. Arrest rates among women, however, as increased 62 percent since 1980. Population also has an impact in the arrest rates; counties with the lowest arrest rates tend to be large and urban, while counties with the highest arrest rates tend to be smaller and rural. In conclusion, there are many factors that impact the arrest rates in California.

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. Dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research.

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^{Keywords: Arrest, Arrests in califronia, arrest demographics, race in arrest, gender in arrest, misdemeanor charges,}

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