Abstract

Traffic stops carried out by law enforcement officers include routine encounters as well as situations that hold the potential for fatalities. This project aims to investigate the communication dynamics during traffic stops conducted using audio and video footage from body-worn cameras. The research builds on evidence that officers' initial communication influences the course of the interaction and whether it escalates or not. Additionally, the project will examine potential disparities in the treatment of community members based on demographic factors and other relevant variables. The project will also study the interplay among factors such as demographic characteristics, disability status, community context, and officer training in shaping officer and driver interactions. Collaboration with a training academy is integral to developing and implementing new training curricula based on the research findings.

Date

2023

Authors

Morteza Dehghani, Shrikanth S Narayanan, Benjamin Graham, Brittany M Friedman, Lauren E Brown

Journal

NSF Award

Volume

23

Issue

2322026

Pages

22026