Drivers of Color Disproportionately Stopped by Oregon Police Troopers
A year-long study by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission shows that drivers of color are more likely to be pulled over, issued citations, or have their vehicle searched compared to white drivers, despite the fact that searches of white drivers are more likely to turn up illegal goods.
Landwebs
According to an Oregon Criminal Justice Commission analysis, Oregon State Police troopers disproportionately issue citations to motorists of color, the Spokesman-Review reports. The year-long study found that despite the disproportionate citations and searches imposed on people of color, the searches for illicit material were more likely to turn up empty compared to searches done on white drivers.
The report collated data from 477,964 traffic stops initiated by law enforcement officers between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. State troopers pulled over the largest share of drivers, some 130,000. The results of one of three statistical models showed Black drivers were more likely than white drivers to be searched or arrested during a traffic stop in Portland. “How we interact with the public and individuals we come into contact is of the utmost importance to our department,” Oregon State Police spokesperson Capt. Stephanie Bigman said, noting that she believes when Mandatory Violation Enforcement Policy data for DUI violations is added, it will reduce the discrepancy. Bigman concluded: “We want to ensure we treat every person with respect, dignity and fairness.”
