Examining the Effects of Racial Profiling Policy

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Relations between law enforcement and minority populations have historically been extremely strained, and this has led to accusations that police are more likely to target racial minorities for harsh treatment. To address growing concerns over racial discrimination, the State of Connecticut implemented Public Act 12-74 (P.A. 12-74) to more closely monitor police discretion and increase accountability in traffic stops. The most disputed aspect of the act is that officers are required to notify every stopped driver that they may file a complaint if they feel they have been discriminated against based upon race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual orientation, and they must also explain the process to do so. While some contend that this procedure may increase the receipt of unwarranted complaints and increase police-community tensions, proponents of the act argue that it will increase officer accountability and act as a deterrent to racial discrimination. This purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Connecticut Public Act 12-74 on traffic stop decision-making. Traffic stop patterns in several Connecticut police departments will be analyzed both and after the policy change while controlling for a variety of stop characteristics and contextual factors.

Author

• Lisa Pudlo, Northeastern University