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How Many Tickets You Get May Be Determined By  More Than Just Your Driving

Findings from a study focusing on traffic citation practices by the police indicate that neighborhood characteristics may influence how many tickets a person receives if stopped.  Factors such as the neighborhood income level, percentage of the neighborhood that are ethnic minorities, and the neighborhood crime rate increase the likelihood that drivers will receive more than one citation. Specifically, an increased number of citations were likely to be given in poorer neighborhoods with higher percentages of black and Hispanic residents. Moreover, the study indicates that these practices have a spill-over effect that extends to neighboring areas.

Ingram, Jason.  2010.  “The Effect of Neighborhood Characteristics on Traffic Citation Practices of the Police.”  Police Quarterly.  Vol. 10(4): 371-393.

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Media Attention May Help Reduce Racial Profiling

A recent study on racial profiling finds that public scrutiny from the media contributes to reducing racial profiling practices in routine traffic stops.  Researchers have assessed the impact of public attention on changing police officers’ patterns when searching black and white drivers.   The results of the study indicate that racial disparities are significantly reduced when media coverage puts pronounced pressure on police organizations and when change in leadership occurs.

Warren, Patricia and Amy Farrell.  2009.  “The Environmental Context of Racial Profiling.”  The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.  Vol. 623.

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