Examining Police Officers’ and Citizens’ Demeanors During Traffic Stops: Do They Impact Traffic Stop Outcomes?

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Many studies have investigated the police officers’ demeanors during traffic stops and their impacts on public perceptions towards the police. Few studies have explored if citizens’ demeanors may impact traffic stop outcomes and how they are treated by the police. In the current study, we use the 2020 police-public contact surveys (PPCS) conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The 2020 survey has a unique set of questions related to citizens’ verbal and/or physical actions against the police during traffic stops, such as disobeying the officers and arguing with the officers. We examine if there is an association between officers’ demeanors and citizens’ demeanors, and whether such an association impacts traffic stop outcomes, such as arrests, searches, and tickets. Policy implications and limitations are also discussed.

Authors

• Xiaochen Hu, Fayetteville State University

• Jun Wu, Angelo State University