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Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar

Traffic stops have emerged as a key driver of racial disparities in law enforcement and an area of potential reform. Our new report examines whether certain types of traffic stops could be enforced in alternative ways that reduce racial disparities and risks to officers and civilians without jeopardizing public safety.

Policy Brief

Policy Brief: Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar

Our findings suggest that nighttime traffic stops for non-moving violations—especially those made by local police and sheriff departments—deserve consideration for alternative enforcement strategies. However, any changes need to be balanced against the possibility of hampering efforts to confiscate dangerous contraband, especially firearms.

event

Achieving Digital Equity for California’s Students

The importance of digital connectivity in K–12 education has never been more apparent. Did student access to devices and the internet improve during the pandemic? Did unprecedented investments in broadband help close equity gaps in digital access? PPIC researcher Joseph Hayes will outline key findings from a new report, and a panel of experts will discuss how local, state, and national stakeholders can continue working together on this vital issue.

Report

Police Use of Force and Misconduct in California

By Deepak Premkumar, Alexandria Gumbs, Shannon McConville, Renee Hsia

Nearly 200 Californians die each year in police encounters. Amid growing concern over civilian deaths and racial injustice, we examine what the existing data can—and cannot—tell us about police use of force and misconduct. We also offer recommendations for strengthening the state’s ongoing efforts to improve police transparency and accountability.

Policy Brief

Policy Brief: Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops

By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar

In an effort to directly confront concerns over racial inequities in criminal justice, California passed the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) in 2015. RIPA data on law enforcement stops reveal that Black Californians have notably different experiences during stops than white Californians.

Report

Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops

By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar

Recent debate over police reforms has centered on how law enforcement engages with people of color, prompted by continuing concerns over racial inequities in criminal justice. In our analysis of data for nearly 4 million stops, we examine how interactions—ranging from search to use of force—differ for Black and white people, while considering factors such as stop context and law enforcement agency.

blog post

Racial Disparities in California Law Enforcement Stops

By Magnus Lofstrom, Alexandria Gumbs, Brandon Martin

According to the latest data for California’s largest law enforcement agencies, the reasons for officer stops vary by agency type and across racial groups.

blog post

Prison Admissions Resume as COVID-19 Spreads

By Heather Harris

California has resumed prison admissions after an eight-week moratorium, a change that – if it leads to increased crowding -- could put the prison population at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19.

blog post

What COVID-19 Budget Cuts Mean for Public Safety Spending

By Brandon Martin, Magnus Lofstrom

The sharp decline in state revenues means county sheriff and probation departments will have less funding to provide supervision and programming for certain individuals who are in jail or on probation.

Fact Sheet

California’s Prison Population

By Joseph Hayes, Justin Goss, Heather Harris, Alexandria Gumbs

Many of California’s inmates live in overcrowded conditions, despite successful efforts to stabilize the prison population systemwide. This fact sheet provides a snapshot of the state’s prisons, highlighting the most current information on racial disparities, health costs, and other key issues.

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