The Application of Various Methods to Examining Racially Biased Policing, Pros and Pitfalls

• In Event: What Works, What's New, and What's Troubling in Investigating Racially Biased Policing

Abstract

Identification of racially biased policing presents challenges to systematic, scientific investigation. There are aspects of both citizen and police behavior that are difficult to measure, either due to lack of necessary data or complexities of human interactions. A thorough and fair analysis of potentially racially biased policing is, however, vital to ensuring community trust. Leading scholars have recommended several different ways to approach the identification of racially biased policing, including comparison of officer ratios on specific outcomes and time of day analysis. In working with a large, southwestern policing agency, the authors have applied both methods, as well as additional methods, some from other disciplines. This presentation will discuss the various methods the authors have used to investigate the potential for racially biased policing within the organization, how well those methods have worked, and most importantly, the technical difficulties experienced when applying those methods. The presentation concludes by offering practical suggestions for issues encountered in applying these methods.

Author

• Brooks Louton, Arizona State University