Policing Youth: Exploring the Predictors of Pedestrian Stops and Use-of-Force Among 13-25 Year-Olds in New York City

• In Event: Enforcement of Lower-Level Offenses in New York City: Findings from the Misdemeanor Justice Project

Abstract

Recent trends show a dramatic decline in the number of pedestrian stops in New York City. While pedestrian stops for 13-25 year-olds have decreased by over 96 percent from the peak in 2011 to 2015, stop-question-and-frisk activities involving adolescents and young adults still account for over 50 percent of stops for all ages. This trend underscores the importance of better understanding the experiences of this demographic group. Previous work has provided descriptive profiles of who is stopped, how often stops occur, and how these encounters affect communities’ perceptions of law enforcement. The present study builds upon this existing understanding by examining how individual- and neighborhood-level factors relate to the prevalence of pedestrian stops and use-of-force among young people in New York City. Findings will offer insight into how enforcement of pedestrian stops has changed for this age group in light of the recent decline.

Authors

• Olive Lu, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Celina Cuevas, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Preeti Chauhan, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY