There are key controversies associated with the correlations between race and crime. Commonly overlooked are the variables of poverty, poor school performance, and family disorganization. Any discussion of race has to include an examination of the history of racism, colonialism, and expansionism. Additionally, public perceptions and opinions should be discussed to include topics of community self-efficacy, law enforcement responses, including racial profiling, and the rise of zero tolerance policies in public schools leading to the “school to prison” pipeline. Theories to consider are labeling theory and Merton's strain theory, along with Durkheim's discourse of mechanical versus organic society.