Analysis of Traffic Stop and Search Data

This report examines statistical data regarding racial disparities in traffic stops and searches within the City of Greensboro. It is the culmination of several years’ worth of research by the Greensboro Police Department (GPD) and academic researchers. GPD does not contest the fact that the data shows racial disparities with respect to traffic stops and searches. Data from Greensboro and across the nation shows that black motorists are more frequently pulled over and searched than white motorists. Recently, some researchers, reporters, and members of the public have asserted that these disparities are due to racial bias by the police. This explanation must be contextualized, however, because of the many alternative, nuanced, and complicated factors that contribute to these statistics. This report discusses research that has examined racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, here and elsewhere, and the complexities of trying to determine the underlying causes of these disparities. By reviewing existing research, we know that these disparities – and the challenges associated with them – are neither new nor unique to Greensboro.