Crime and Race The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are responsible for processing individuals who are suspected of committing crimes. Some individuals may also have greater motivation or pressure to offend, or have more opportunity to do so. The Macpherson Report (1999) analysed institutional and individual behaviour of the police during the murder investigation of Stephen Lawrence. A 350-page report concluded that the investigation into the killing had been "marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership". Specific officers in the Metropolitan police were named and the entire force was criticised