Authority in Action – Doing Policing in Traffic Stops in Germany

• In Event: POLWG Panel 21. Evaluating Policing Practice: Police Use of Force and Authority

Abstract

This study investigates how police officers construct social meaning and maintain social order during traffic stops in Germany, focusing on the concept of “doing policing.” While much research has explored cultural and organisational aspects of policing, less attention has been given to the situational actions and discretionary practices of officers during routine traffic stops. This study addresses this gap by employing an ethnographic approach grounded in ethnomethodology to understand how authority and order are negotiated in these interactions.
Through detailed analysis of ethnographic data, the research demonstrates how police officers utilise discretion not only to enforce traffic laws but also to navigate complex and dynamic situations. Officers mobilise elements such as traffic signs and driver behaviour as formative objects to establish control, authority, and cooperation. The findings reveal that the co-production of social order during traffic stops relies on tacit compliance from citizens, which in turn reinforces police authority and legitimacy.
The study examines the use of extra-legal discretionary decisions as a performative tool in the context of traffic stops. It identifies their role in facilitating effective policing while also addressing their potential impact on fairness and accountability. Although focused on traffic stops in Germany, the findings suggest broader relevance for understanding police practices across cultural and legal contexts. This research emphasises the need for clear legal frameworks and ongoing evaluation of police discretion to ensure justice and accountability in policing.

Author

• Tamara Dangelmaier, HWR Berlin – Berlin School of Economics and Law