Using Critical Race and Racial Threat Theories to Explain Systemic Disparities in Traffic Stops

• In Event: Applying Critical Race and Racial Threat Theory to Criminal Legal System Topics

Abstract

Traffic stops are one of the most common type of police-citizen interaction, however for African Americans and other people of color, these interactions can be dangerous and result in feelings of violation, arrest, or even violence. Prior research on traffic stops has consistently found racial disparities in enforcement, showing that Black and Latine drivers are more likely to be pulled over and more likely to be searched than white drivers, despite the vast majority of stops not resulting in arrest. This paper explores the historical context of racism in the United States through the lens of Critical Race Theory, then applies minority threat theory to the topic.Using these frameworks, we explore the over-representation of Black and Brown people in traffic stops and the subsequent negative outcomes or resulting criminal legal system contact.

Author

• Susan Nembhard, The Urban Institute / John Jay College of Criminal Justice