Pennsylvania State Police found no significant racial or ethnic differences in traffic stop reasons and reduced racial disparities with increased scrutiny and supervision.
Pennsylvania State Police stopped drivers of different races and ethnicities at similar rates, according to a study analyzing data from 450,000 vehicle stops made public. The study, which found no significant racial or ethnic differences in the initial reason for the stop, revealed that troopers were slightly more likely to engage in discretionary searches of Black drivers' vehicles when their criminal histories were considered. The findings indicate that Pennsylvania law enforcement treats all drivers equally in traffic stops and suggest that the state police's efforts to increase scrutiny and supervision in the field, change training tactics, and prioritize equal treatment have contributed to the reduction of racial disparities in traffic stops.