Abstract

Racial profiling, or the practice of using race, ethnicity, or other racially based characteristics to decide when to stop, cite, or search drivers, has been studied and analyzed by researchers for decades. Attempts have been made to gain an understanding of why officers commit acts of racial profiling and to identify different evaluation methods that allow for accurate analysis of racial profiling data. This study attempts to create a new method of evaluation by utilizing the Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) as a benchmark for racial profiling data. Variables from the CTPP are used to create estimates of the transient travel population, or driving population. Using traffic stop data from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), analyses are conducted to evaluate whether the CTPP can be utilized to accurately benchmark traffic stop data. An assessment is also conducted to determine whether there is any evidence of racial profiling by the NCSHP. The results of this research show not only that the CTPP can be utilized to efficiently and accurately benchmark traffic stop data, but also that the prior method of utilizing basic Census statistics severely underestimates racial profiling. Evidence is also produced to show that several counties in North Carolina were subject to racial profiling by the NCSHP.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Racial profiling in law enforcement--North Carolina--Case studies; Transportation--United States--Statistics; Commuters--United States--Statistics

Publication Date

11-1-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Science Technology and Society/Public Policy (CLA)

Advisor

Scott, Jason - Chair

Advisor/Committee Member

Porter, Judy

Advisor/Committee Member

Winebrake, James

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HV7936.R3 H47 2007

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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