NCJ Number
239124
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 40 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2012 Pages: 285-295
Date Published
August 2012
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article focus is on examining racial/ethnic differences in driving behavior.
Abstract
Disproportionate minority contact during traffic stops has been a consistent source of commentary and study in recent years. While various theoretical perspectives have been employed to explain these empirical findings, the differential offending hypotheses has been largely ignored as a viable alternative explanation. Building on existing empirical evidence regarding criminal offending patterns and driving patterns, the authors examined the veracity of this explanation using data from an observational study of urban driving behavior. Data were collected using an observational methodology in an urban environment. These data were then used to estimate various regression models and test the differential offending hypothesis. Analytic models indicated that Black drivers speed more frequently and engage in more severe speeding compared to White drivers, net of controls. The findings suggest that citizen risk for specific police behavior is partially attributable to differential behavior prior to the encounter. These results mirror the findings of previous research in other geographic locations using different methodologies; thus, contributing to the conclusion that understanding officer decisionmaking and behavior requires consideration of other factors beyond a citizen's race. (Published Abstract)