dheuoddjo

> I think the thing you said about priors is repeating a talking point about prosecution or sentencing disparities that isn't particularly relevant in the context of an arrest.

Arrests don’t occur in a vacuum. The prior convictions are known and are a factor.

> I have no idea what you mean about multiple charges.

Person A is smoking pot and is arrested. Person B is smoking pot wearing a bloody t shirt with a knife in his hand. If you’re more likely to engage in criminal activity, you’re more likely to be smoking pot while engaging in criminal activity (again, on average).

> black people would not be 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for possession than white people

While on its face true, this isn’t taking into account things like recidivism or multiple charges.

That’s to say the average black person has more priors and is more likely to have multiple charges when charged compared to the average white.