Toward a Better Benchmark: Assessing the Utility of Not-at-Fault Traffic Crash Data in Racial Profiling Research

• NCJ Number: 206650
• Journal: Justice Research and Policy Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2004 Pages: 43-69
• Author(s): Geoffrey P. Alpert; Michael R. Smith; Roger G. Dunham
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested the Driving Population Estimation Measure (DPEM), a new benchmark for police traffic stops, in a racial profiling research setting.

Abstract

As concern over racial profiling has grown, law enforcement agencies have implemented policies and State statutes prohibiting racially biased policing. Research on racial profiling has also proliferated, spawning a debate over the most appropriate benchmark for comparison with police traffic stop data. The existing benchmark populations, which are estimated based on census figures, licensed drivers, arrestees, reported crime suspects, and observed drivers and traffic violators all present significant limitations. A new benchmark is offered, the DPEM, which has never been tested or applied in a racial profiling research setting. The reason for developing a benchmark is to have a reliable measure of drivers who are available to be stopped by police, such as people who drive a lot, people who drive poorly, or people who drive in locations where police stop a high volume of drivers. The benchmark estimates the demographic profile of individuals who will be stopped by police if there is no bias motivating the officer. To test the DPEM, traffic pattern data from 11 intersections in Miami-Dade County were compared with data from 403 not-at-fault traffic crashes at the same intersections. The intersections were selected for their high traffic and crash volume and because of the racial composition of the area. Results of statistical analyses indicated that non-responsible drivers involved in the two-vehicle crashes represented a reasonably accurate estimate of the racial composition of drivers on the road at selected intersections and within areas marked by varying racial composition. Limitations of the research include the small number of Black traffic accident victims and the absence of data on time of day of the traffic accidents. Future research should continue to use driving population verification methods to further test the validity of the DPEM. Tables, references