Traffic Stop Data Analysis

November 29, 2007

The Washington State University (WSU) traffic stop analysis analyzed traffic stops between November 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 to investigate possible patterns of racial profiling or biased policing being reflected in the work of the Washington State Patrol (WSP). In a 72-page Traffic Stop Data Report delivered to Chief John R. Batiste, the WSU research team concludes that there is no evidence of a systematic problem with biased policing within the Washington State Patrol.

The accompanying Citizen Survey Results indicated, among other things, that 82 percent of those who received tickets felt troopers treated them fairly.

(see related Media Release for 11/29/07).

Below, you can find links to the Traffic Stop and Survey reports:

• November 2007 - Traffic Stop Data Report (72 pages)
  
• November 2007 - Citizen Survey Results (70 pages)

Past Reports:

• March 2005 - Traffic Stop Data Report (93 pages)
• June 2003 - Traffic Stop Data Report (123 pages)
• 2003 - Citizen Survey Results

Questions related to this study should be directed to the WSP at questions@wsp.wa.gov or by calling:

• Captain Jeff DeVere
  Government and Media Relations
  Washington State Patrol
  (360) 753-5299
• Michael Gaffney, Assistant Director
  WSU Division of Governmental Studies and Services
  (509) 335-3329