a majority of the prison population in the u.s. consists of racial minorities. according to the center for american progress, black men are approximately seven times more likely to be incarcerated than whites, and spend on average ten months longer in prison. since the beating of rodney king (1991) was videotaped and was broadcast around the world, local and federal law-enforcement agencies have opened investigations to determine whether or not there is a pattern of police brutality not only in los angeles but around the country.