This study was focused on the identification of selected risk factors seemingly present among African American male adolescents 13 to 18 years old who were participants in special education programs at their schools. Many of these male adolescents were also found to participate in the juvenile justice system under what was characterized as disproportionate placement. Through the perusal of several sources, including but not limited to parents, educators, law enforcement personnel, principals, counselors, and experienced teachers involved with special education students, it was realized these regular special students were experiencing disproportionate placement. The purpose of this study was to compare perspectives of parents and selected law enforcement personnel regarding risk factors that may contribute to their placement in special education and the U.S. Department of Justice. The research design was descriptive and established association between/among the variables under study. The data were collected, coded, and analyzed using the SPSS software package. The data revealed that parents and selected law enforcement personnel strongly agreed with 9 of the 21 descriptive statements, disagreed with 1 of the statements, and were undecided regarding 1 of the statements. This research provides educators, parents, administrators, juvenile justice officials, and superintendents involved in making decisions related to placement and instruction with specific information to aid them in making appropriate decisions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]