Community Consequences of Low-Level Pre-text Stops

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Aurore Lambert, Irshad Altheimer, Ph.D, Katie Blum, Esq., Catherine Cerulli, Ph.D, Rashid Muhammad, Ed.D, Jill Paperno, Esq.Myriad US studies reflect racial disparities regarding who police stop and search for low-level traffic violations. https://empirejustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Stop-the-Stops-Empire-Justices-Preliminary-Report-on-Racial-Disparities-in-Pretext-Stops.pdf In Rochester, N.Y., preliminary data reflects similar trends. To assess whether a sample of stops truly reflects racial disparities in police stops and searches, our multidisciplinary team of community members, legal services attorneys and staff, and university professors collaborated to review City of Rochester traffic-violation data (2016 – present) with City of Rochester and the Rochester Police Department assistance. Findings reveal where stops occur, and when possible, racial demographics of those stopped. Because racial disparities are especially detrimental for communities of color, we are conducting additional research. Community-Based Participatory Research Principles, we partnered with community organizations, and those with lived stop experiences, to create, disseminate, and evaluate the data.

Author

• Catherine Cerulli, University of Rochester