NCJ Number
218080
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 25-56
Date Published
February 2007
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Using a methodological approach, this study investigated patterns of racial disparities in police activities within the Miami-Dade, Florida Police Department.
Abstract
Using field observation to benchmark violations at selected items and areas showed that no differences were found between the rates of African-American citizens who violated traffic laws and those who were stopped by the police. However, the use of the countywide traffic crash estimation of benchmarking produced concern from the police department and the community. Results were mixed, with racial disparities evident in some areas but not in others. Specifically, in predominantly White and racially mixed areas, African-American drivers were stopped disproportionately to their representation in the driving population. Using race improperly can harm the trust and confidence that a community should have in its police department. In 2001, the Miami-Dade Police Department in Florida had more than 3,000 sworn officers with almost 1,000 assigned to patrol. This article discusses the results from study that investigated claims of racial-profiling in the Miami-Dade Police Department and presents policy implications and recommendations based on the results. The article begins with a brief review of the conceptual and methodological issues surrounding racial-profiling, and then reviews specific methods and findings from the study. Tables and references