Pennsylvania State Police Study Reveals No Major Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

A comprehensive study of 450,000 vehicle stops conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police has revealed no significant racial or ethnic disparities in the reasons for initial traffic stops. The $194,000 research, released on August 14, 2024, at the state police academy in Hershey, Pennsylvania, provides insights into the agency's practices and efforts to ensure equitable law enforcement.

Robin Engel, a researcher from Ohio State University, presented the findings, stating, "The analyses demonstrated no substantive racial and ethnic differences in the initial reason for the stop by the Pennsylvania State Police." This conclusion is particularly significant for the third-largest state police agency in the United States, which serves a population of approximately 13 million across 46,055 square miles.

The study also found that post-stop enforcement decisions are primarily based on legal factors rather than the race or ethnicity of drivers or troopers. However, a slight disparity was noted in discretionary searches of Black drivers' vehicles compared to those of white or Latino drivers when criminal histories were considered.

It's important to note that troopers do not ask drivers about their race or ethnicity but record this information based on their subjective perceptions. This practice is part of the agency's commitment to its motto: "Honor, Service, Integrity, Respect, Trust, Courage, Duty."

The release of this study follows a 2022 settlement between the Pennsylvania State Police and the American Civil Liberties Union regarding allegations of targeting Latino drivers. As part of the settlement, the agency implemented regulations prohibiting stops based on immigration status, citizenship, or nationality.

In an effort to enhance transparency, the Pennsylvania State Police has been expanding the use of body cameras, with nearly half the force now equipped to wear them. This initiative aligns with the agency's 24/7, year-round operations across the state's 67 counties.

"The newly released data is neither comforting nor extremely surprising. We don't know the regional differences in statistical analyses yet, we haven't seen that. There's a lot we don't know."

Looking ahead, a new law passed in May 2024 will require local police departments serving populations of at least 5,000 to collect and publish traffic stop data starting from the end of 2025. This measure aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of policing practices across the state.

The Pennsylvania study's findings contrast with recent reports from other states. A 2022 California study of 4.6 million stops found that Black people accounted for nearly 13% of traffic stops while comprising only 5% of the population. Similarly, a 2018 Missouri review concluded that African-American drivers were 85% more likely to be pulled over than whites.

As the Pennsylvania State Police continues to serve rural areas and municipalities without local police, these findings and ongoing efforts to improve transparency and equality in policing are crucial steps towards maintaining public trust and ensuring fair law enforcement practices across the Keystone State.