Pseudo-Consensual Police Searches in Los Angeles

• In Event: Policing Research Using Large Datasets

Abstract

We present an analysis of Los Angeles Police Dept. searches of motorists and pedestrians conducted in 2008 with the consent of the party being searched, to assess how often this type of search occurs, who is asked, who submits, and what is found. The volume of searches is high. Young black and Latino males are searched disproportionately. Rarely is contraband found. When found it is more often found on white females, and middle-aged individuals. We analysis policy options on the basis of constitutional principles including Equal Proteection









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Authors

• David Greenberg, New York University

• Lily S. Khadjavi, Loyola Marymount University