Racial Disparities in Texas Police Traffic Stops

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Abstract

Traffic stops represent a significant point of interaction between individuals and law enforcement in the United States. Previous research has highlighted the disproportionate impact of traffic stops on marginalized communities, particularly people of color. While existing research on traffic stops has primarily concentrated on major urban centers, the impact of these encounters in regions such as Texas remains relatively unexplored. This study examines 5 years of traffic stop data from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to investigate the outcomes of stops across four major Texas police departments. By analyzing trends in stop outcomes (written warnings, verbal warning, citations, arrests, and physical force) and racial disparities, this research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between traffic stops and law enforcement interactions in the state of Texas. Understanding the impact of police stop outcomes in Texas will enable us to identify issues that are often overlooked in regions outside of major urban centers.

Author

• Alyssah Nicole Gonzalez, University of Texas-Austin